Milwaukee Police Officer Fatally Shot, Suspect In Custody

A veteran Milwaukee police officer was shot and killed while answering a call Wednesday afternoon. A suspect in the shooting is in police custody.

The name of the officer hasn’t been released, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

Deputy Fire Chief David Votsis said the Milwaukee Fire Department was called to the scene of the shooting shortly after 5 p.m. The department’s special investigation division was checking in on someone wanted in connection with drug and gun violations before the shooting occurred.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports officers swarmed the scene in Metcalfe Park after the shooting.

Morales said the suspect opened fire on officers.

The police chief answered few questions during a press briefing on Wednesday evening but, he said the suspect and gun used were in custody and the department isn’t looking for any other suspects.

“It’s a difficult time for the police department. He is a 17-year veteran of the department who is well loved by the department and a friend of mine,” said Morales, his voice cracking.

The investigation is ongoing and Morales called it fluid. He said it would take some time to get a full grasp of what happened.

Mayor Tom Barrett and District Attorney John Chisolm were at the scene to express their condolences.

“The police undertook their activities today. They knew they were undertaking a dangerous assignment as they do every single time they respond,” said Barrett. “I’m asking every resident of this city to pray for the families of our police officers, to respect our police officers and to thank them for the sacrifices they and their families make on our behalf.”

The state Division of Criminal Investigation is helping with the investigation of the incident.

Gov. Scott Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel were among those expressing condolences on social media:

Tonette and I mourn the death of another Milwaukee Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty protecting the people he served. RIP.

— Governor Walker (@GovWalker) July 26, 2018

My heart aches for @MilwaukeePolice, the city, and the family and friends of an officer killed while executing a warrant. Warrant officers are the ‘tip of the spear’; they are heroes, going after the most dangerous people in our communities.

— WI AG Brad Schimel (@WisDOJ) July 26, 2018

The shooting comes nearly two months after the death of Milwaukee Officer Charles “Chuckie” Irvine Jr., who was killed after the squad car that he was in crashed while in pursuit of a reckless driver.

Editor’s Note: The original version of this story quoted Votsis saying another person had been injured during the gunfire. Only one Milwaukee police officer was shot and killed during the exchange.