A gunman entered a Milwaukee Police Department precinct on Friday and opened fire at staff and civilians inside, authorities reported. Investigators are looking into whether the incident was connected to an in-custody death days prior.
The shooting occurred on Friday, Feb. 25, at approximately 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee Police Department's District Five station.
The gunman reportedly entered the lobby of the building, firing shots at staff, to which an officer returned fire, according to a press release. The release also stated that several civilians were present during the altercation.
After the officer returned fire at the gunman, he took off on foot, with officers pursuing him, the release said.
Police caught up with the gunman, a 23-year-old who has not yet been identified, and multiple officers shot and struck him during the altercation, causing non-fatal injuries, the release said.
During the firefight, no officers or community members were injured, and the firearm the suspect used was recovered. The gunman was also taken to a local area hospital for medical treatment, according to the release.
The seven officers who were involved in the shooting have, per Milwaukee police procedure, been placed on administrative duty.
"There is a lot of shaken up staff so my heart is out to my staff," Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a news conference NBC News reported.
Related
The shooting came just two days after 20-year-old Keishon Thomas was found dead in his cell inside the police station, and authorities are looking into whether the two incidents are connected or not.
"So, we're all aware that the incident happened recently in regards to what happened here at District Number 5. We're still looking into all angles of this," Norman said.
Thomas was arrested when officers pulled him over for a traffic offense at around 2 a.m. and realized he had a warrant for his arrest. Police searched his car and found illegal narcotics inside, according to a press release.
Throughout the day, staff at the jail "conducted multiple cell checks," but at around 6 p.m., they noticed Thomas needed medical attention, the release said.
This led to officers and fire department officials performing CPR on Thomas. However, they were unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead.
The medical examiner's office is awaiting a toxicology report to determine the cause of death, but the office said no signs of trauma were found during an autopsy.
Thomas' death and the shooting are still under investigation.
Related
