Milwaukee police officers shoot, kill armed reckless driving suspect: Police

MILWAUKEE — After a reckless driving suspect refused to drop his firearm, two Milwaukee police officers opened fire, hitting him, police say, and the man later died at a local hospital.

Milwaukee Police Inspector Willie Murphy said during a late night press conference that around 6:50 p.m. Thursday, police attempted to pull over a person wanted for reckless driving on N. 39th Street and W. North Avenue.

Police say he didn't pull over and a police pursuit began. The vehicle pursuit ended when the suspect crashed on 41st Street near Sherman Park and began running on foot. Police pursued, Murphy said.

Officers said the suspect was armed with a handgun. Officers ordered the suspect to drop the weapon multiple times, but they say he refused.

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Two officers then opened fire and hit him, Murphy said. The man, identified as a 33-year-old Milwaukee resident, suffered life-threatening injuries and later passed away at a hospital, according to MPD.

The officers who opened fire were identified by police as a 31-year-old officer with three years of experience on the force, and a 29-year-old officer with four years of experience on the force.

The Waukesha Police Department is now investigating as is protocol for an officer-involved shooting. The two officers are on administrative leave, as is also protocol.

Inspector Murphy said at this time they do not know if the suspect pointed the gun at the officers or if he had opened fire during the incident. The firearm the suspect had was recovered, he said.

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