Holly MatkinMilwaukee, WI – A Milwaukee police officer was fatally shot early Tuesday morning while trying to apprehend a suspect in connection with a robbery that occurred hours earlier.
The deadly encounter occurred at approximately 1:16 a.m. on Feb. 7 in the 2700-block of South 14th Street, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said during an emotional media briefing later that morning.
Officers with the MPD’s District 4 were searching for a 19-year-old suspect in connection with a robbery that occurred on Monday at approximately 11:25 p.m. in the 3600-block of West Good Hope Road, Chief Norman said.
Police located the suspect at the location on 14th Street but the suspect allegedly ignored officers’ commands and took off running, according to the chief.
“One of the officers was able to catch up to the suspect and a struggle ensued,” Chief Norman said.
The police chief said the suspect pulled out a gun during the brawl and opened fire on the officer, striking him.
Despite his wounds, the heroic officer returned fire and wounded his attacker.
Chief Normal said the injured officer was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The fallen hero was 37 years old and had served the MPD for more than four years.
The 19-year-old suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Norman said investigators are working to determine whether the suspect’s fatal wound was self-inflicted or the result of the officer’s gunfire.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
🚨 OFFICER DOWN: Please pray for the family and friends of the Milwaukee Police Officer who was shot and killed overnight.
The war on cops in this country is a stain on our society. The seeming lack of effort from our leaders to address this is disgraceful. #NoMore pic.twitter.com/1cPICWphcE
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) February 7, 2023
Chief Norman, who struggled to hold back tears throughout the briefing, said the slain officer’s name and photo will be released after his family members have all been notified of his death.
“Milwaukee, our hearts are heavy. Milwaukee Police Department’s hearts are heavy. My heart is heavy,” the chief said. “One of our finest, who put on that uniform who put on that badge, went into work last night and paid the ultimate sacrifice for protecting our community. Milwaukee, we need your prayers. We need your support.”
It has been confirmed that a Milwaukee Police Officer has died. Heavy hearts here at the medical examiners office. Stick with @fox6now as we learn more information. @fox6wakeup https://t.co/wOaoF5UtcB pic.twitter.com/0vztO6E0XF
— Brhett Vickery (@BrhettVickery) February 7, 2023
Chief Norman also specifically addressed the officers of the MPD.
“To the men and women of the Milwaukee Police department: I see you. I am proud of you,” he said. “The work that you do does not go unnoticed, and at this time, our community needs you. This is a time to lean in and do the work that needs to be done in our community.”
Chief Norman declared during the briefing that the violence “needs to stop.”
“Everyone has a role in community protection,” he added.
Milwaukee Police said the fallen officer was 37-year-old with 4 years of experience.
Chief Norman said “my heart is heavy. One of our finest who put on that uniform, put on that badge went into work last night and paid the ultimate sacrifice” pic.twitter.com/ZrMrcih1X1
— Adriana Mendez (@AdrianaMendez) February 7, 2023
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the entire city owes a debt of gratitude to the officers who work to protect the community “each and every single day.”
“An officer paid the ultimate price – his life – in protecting and serving this city,” Johnson told reporters. “It is on all of us to make sure our city is safe…It’s not just the men and women in uniform. It’s all of us that have a role to play.”
The mayor said members of the community must speak up and hold others “to account” if they know they are out committing crimes or creating violence in the community.
“There are no excuses for this. This officer should not be dead right now,” he added. “This should not happen.”
Two MPD sources now confirming an officer shot and killed on the South Side overnight has died.
First responders have started to gather outside of the Med. Examiner’s Office Downtown. @SpectrumNews1WI pic.twitter.com/Xms6BQRtBh
— Pete Zervakis (@PeteZervakisTV) February 7, 2023
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Sandy Malone
