A police operation in Milwaukee turned violent Thursday morning when officers tried to serve a warrant on a 35-year-old man. According to WISN, the area near 91st Street and Appleton Avenue was left in chaos with shattered glass and bullet-damaged drywall from the shootout. The suspect, facing charges including being felon with a firearm, domestic violence-related false imprisonment, and sexual assault, fired shots at law enforcement.
Officers made contact with the suspect before the situation escalated to gunfire at approximately 11:40 a.m., with initial shots reportedly fired by the man sought. Witnessing the incident was Michael Perez from across the street, who captured the gunfire on his cell phone. “I guess the suspect had an automatic or something, and it was like six or seven gunshots in a row. That’s when we really ducked, and I was trying to record at the same time at this point just kind of evidence or if something happened, but it was just, everything was just fast," Perez told WISN.
As a result of the shootout, three Milwaukee Police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman confirmed in a neighborhood press briefing. The suspect also sustained wounds and was taken to a hospital after surrendering two firearms with high-capacity extended magazines. “Our officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect," Norman said to ABC News. "After the gunfire ceased, officers continued communication with the suspect.” There was no immediate confirmation on whether the suspect was shot by the officers.
After the shootout, the suspect’s residence showed clear damage. The roommate, returning from work, found the apartment severely damaged with many bullet holes and broken glass. "It's destroyed," the roommate, preferring anonymity, shared the condition of their living space with TMJ4, likening it to having been hit by a “tornado.” "I'm like I'm hoping it wasn't him. I'm praying it wasn't him."
The investigation into the shootout and the suspect's crimes remains ongoing.
