A 21-year-old man was shot and wounded by a Milwaukee police officer during a traffic stop late Wednesday night, sparking an ongoing investigation into the incident, as reported by multiple sources. According to FOX6 News, after being pulled over near 12th and Greenfield at around 11:30 p.m., the man exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Police stated that during the ensuing chase, the suspect dropped a firearm and was shot by police when he attempted to retrieve it. The man, who was the only person injured during the encounter, is expected to survive.
Running from police after a traffic stop, officers gave the suspect commands to stop, detailed by TMJ4, were disregarded by the man before dropping his gun and then, attempting to pick it up, was shot. No other individuals were struck by gunfire in the incident. The officer involved, a 26-year-old with more than six years of service in the Milwaukee Police Department, has been placed on administrative duty which is the normal course of action in such situations.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, without providing the reason for the initial traffic stop, mentioned that the case is under investigation in a statement obtained by WISN 12 News. The same source reported that Norman said at a press conference, "During the foot pursuit, the officers gave the suspect commands to stop." He also confirmed that a firearm was recovered from the site, and the injured man was arrested and taken to a hospital.
Following department policy, the Milwaukee Police Department's Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the shooting. As part of this process, the police have said that video footage of the incident will be released. The suspect, recovering in the hospital and facing criminal charges, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office will be referred to for the case, as TMJ4 reported. In ongoing developments, further information is awaited as the community grapples with the repercussions of yet another police-involved shooting.
