MILWAUKEE — A confrontation between Milwaukee police and an armed man escalated into violence just before noon Wednesday, resulting in a police officer being shot and the gunman being fatally shot by another officer. The incident occurred on 27th Street, a bustling area between Wells Street and Wisconsin Avenue, causing immediate disruption in the vicinity.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman reported that the situation began with a call about a man openly carrying a large firearm along the street. Upon police arrival, the man, who has yet to be identified, ignored commands to drop the weapon and opened fire on the officers.
During the exchange, a 34-year-old officer, a veteran with over eight years on the force, was critically injured and subsequently rushed to Froedtert Hospital for emergency surgery. Details on his condition remain unclear, but the injuries are reported as serious.
The 37-year-old officer who responded to the gunman’s fire, also with more than eight years of service, was unharmed. Following standard procedure, he will be placed on administrative duty pending an investigation.
A semi-automatic rifle was recovered at the scene, adding to the evidence for the ongoing investigation led by the Oak Creek Police Department. The area experienced significant disruption with several blocks of 27th Street closed, alongside other nearby streets, affecting local businesses and traffic flow.
Residents and witnesses nearby recounted hearing multiple gunshots, contributing to a tense atmosphere that extended to the larger community. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed his concern and directed his thoughts towards the injured officer and all personnel involved, emphasizing the day’s traumatic impact.
The Milwaukee Police Association called for communal prayers for the officer’s recovery and lauded the bravery shown by all officers who responded to the incident. Their statement highlighted the psychological toll such events exact on law enforcement and underscored the need for community support.
Forensic teams and Marquette University police were also present, assisting in the detailed sweep of the area as investigations continue. This incident adds to the ongoing discussions about gun regulation and police-community relations in urban settings, underlining the unpredictable dangers police officers face in the line of duty.
As the community reels from the day’s events, the focus turns toward supporting the recovery of the injured officer and comprehensively addressing the factors that led to this public confrontation. The investigation is expected to provide further insights into the sequence of events and potentially inform future strategies to prevent similar incidents.