RACINE, Wis. — Two Racine police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a shootout during a domestic disturbance call Tuesday night.
The Racine Police Department held a press conference Wednesday morning to talk about the incident. Police Chief Maurice Robinson said the department responded to West Boulevard and Gillen Street around 10:46 p.m. after dispatchers received a call about a civil dispute between a man and a woman.
Officers learned the woman had been 'put out' of her house, but her two kids remained inside with their father. She also told police the man had mentioned suicide earlier in the day.
Watch the full press conference from Police Chief Robinson:
When police arrived on the scene, the man stepped out of the home and fired several shots into the air, then went back inside.
At that time, Racine police began negotiating with the man. Robinson said officers used voice commands, spoke at the door, used a telephone, and the squad car public address system in an attempt to speak with the man inside.
When officers were at the back door trying to negotiate with the man, Robinson said a 3-year-old appeared and was escorted out of the house.
The suspect then appeared at the door and shot toward several officers using some form of long gun. The police officers returned fire but did not hit the man.
Two Racine officers were shot. Officer Benjamin Eiden has facial injuries and has served with the department for one year.
Sergeant Joe Burinda was shot in the shoulder and has served on the force for over 10 years.
"The officers stayed on the scene, despite their injuries. They stayed. Despite their injuries," an emotional Chief Robinson said during Wednesday's press conference.
Chief Robinson said police believe the officers were injured by birdshot. The man was eventually talked out of the home, uninjured, and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The woman and children are safe, according to police, and both officers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Charges are now pending review against the man, including multiple counts of attempted homicide.
