A man is dead after a tactical situation at Cliffside Park in Caledonia on Wednesday.
According to a joint media release, the Racine County Communication Center received a call from a citizen who said they observed a man in all black
clothing lying face down on a path and was not moving.
They said they did not feel safe getting closer to the man.
A sheriff's deputy and two officers from the Caledonia Police Department were dispatched to investigate the complaint.
Shortly after they arrived, they reported over their radios that the subject had discharged a firearm.
Officers took cover and a tactical response was initiated that included the Sheriff's Office, Caledonia Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Caledonia Fire Department.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office issued an emergency alert directing people nearby to stay indoors and away from windows.
A TMJ4 photojournalist was outside the perimeter when he heard what sounded like half a dozen gunshots.
VIDEO: Heavy police presence in Caledonia near Cliffside Park, residents asked to take shelter
Police say despite numerous efforts to negotiate with the man, and resolve the incident, they say the subject took actions that forced law enforcement officers to discharge their firearms, striking the man.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
One woman told TMJ4 that she was in her yard when law enforcement approached her.
"Came up to me and told me that there was somebody in the back area of the park. That they were looking for and that I should go in the house that it might be dangerous to be outside," neighbor Sharon Pittsley said. "I just couldn't believe it. This is way out in the country here. It's usually pretty quiet here."
Related articles: Police presence near Caledonia's Cliffside Park, residents asked to take shelter (tmj4.com)
The law enforcement officers involved in the use of deadly force were placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard protocol.
Outside agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Divison of Criminal Investigations; the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and the Wisconsin State Patrol have been requested to conduct a thorough
and impartial investigation.
The man was identified as a 37-year-old white man with ties to the City of Racine and the Village of Mount Pleasant.
There is no further danger to the public related to this incident.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
