Holly MatkinMilwaukee, WI – Recently-released bodycam footage captured the moment when a robbery suspect fatally shot a Milwaukee police officer in February (video below).
The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) released radio traffic recordings on April 6 along with the bodycam video, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a “strong-arm robbery” on Feb. 6 involving 19-year-old Terrell Thompson, the audio recording revealed.
During the robbery, which occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m., Thompson “forcefully smacked the victim’s keys and phone out of her hand and took her property,” the police dispatcher said.
The suspect then allegedly stole the woman’s blue 2021 Nissan Versa and sped off eastbound on West Good Hope Road.
The heist came just hours after Thompson was sentenced to probation for a hit-and-run charge that occurred in 2021, WITI reported.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Dee sentenced Thompson to 120 days in the House of Correction for that offense, but he stayed the sentence as long as Thompson successfully completed one year of probation.
MPD Officer Peter Jerving and his partner were out searching for Thompson and ultimately located him in the area of 14th Street and Cleveland at about 1:15 a.m., Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said during a media briefing shortly after the incident occurred.
Officer Jerving’s bodycam footage showed him exiting his patrol car and approaching the suspect while calling him by name.
Policeman Peter Jerving killed in pursuit of robbery suspect Terrell Thompson who shot him. Thompson was in a Milwaukee court the prior day where he received probation on a hit & run charge. 2 officers chased suspect exchanging gunfire. Thompson also died from a gunshot wound. pic.twitter.com/WGxavlCRzk
— Southern Man (@MagicBelle1) February 8, 2023
Thompson was standing behind the alleged stolen vehicle at the time.
“Don’t make us run,” Officer Jerving warned as Thompson ignored him and walked around the corner of a building.
Footage from the bodycam worn by Officer Jerving’s partner showed police chasing the suspect through an apartment complex.
Thompson appeared to slip and fall in the snow next to a perimeter fence, at which point the officers converged on him from two sides, the video showed.
That’s when the suspect pulled out a gun and opened fire on Officer Jerving.
Despite his wounds, the heroic officer returned fire and wounded his attacker, WITI reported.
Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Jerving was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
PO Peter Jerving – prayers to his family, his friends, and to his fellow officers in the @MilwaukeePolice Department.
May he forever rest in peace and honor.
End of watch 2/7/2023. pic.twitter.com/6xpviLhqOe
— City of Milwaukee (@cityofmilwaukee) February 7, 2023
The 37-year-old officer served the MPD for four years.
Chief Norman said the lifelong Milwaukee resident had dreamed of becoming a police officer since he was 13 years old, WITI reported.
“It is with much sadness that we, the family of Officer Peter Jerving, announce his untimely death which took place in the line of duty,” Officer Jerving’s family said in a statement released by MPD Chaplain George Papachristou on Tuesday, according to WITI. “Officer Peter Jerving loved and dedicated his life to serving the great people of our city. To his last breath, Peter fulfilled that goal. Milwaukee has lost one of its finest young officers.”
Officer Jerving leaves behind his longtime partner, Megan, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
Donors contributed more than $30,500 to the fund while it was active.
Officer Jerving was laid to rest on Feb. 13, TMJ reported.
Watch the incident unfold in the video below. Warning – Graphic Content and Obscene Language:
Sandy Malone