Family/CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- 17-year-old is recovering after being shot by a Milwaukee police officer Wednesday night following a reported shots-fired call.
Police say the teen, identified by his family as Jouthem Rodriguez Lacourt, was armed with a rifle and ran from officers before he was shot near 7th and Scott.
Jouthem Rodriguez Lacourt
Lacourt’s father, who did not want to appear on camera, told reporters his son was shot in the leg.
Police say the incident began just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a report of shots fired near 15th and Greenfield Avenue.
Neighbors directed officers toward a group of dirt bikes leaving the area. Residents say seeing dirt bikes in the neighborhood is common.
“They’re always going around the alley,” neighbor Jesus Olaguez said.
Police say officers followed the group to 7th and Scott, where an officer saw a masked suspect with a rifle.
According to police, the teen ran and did not follow commands to drop the gun. Police say the officer then shot him.
Olaguez said he heard the gunfire.
“I only heard two shots,” Olaguez said.
The shooting left some neighbors shaken.
“It makes you feel sad and scared. You can’t even be outside for a little while at night anymore because you’re afraid,” Olaguez said.
Police say investigators found a rifle next to the teen.
Investigators are also looking into whether anyone else was involved in the original shots-fired call.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman addressed the teen’s age Wednesday night.
“This is unacceptable. This is a school night. There’s no reason our children should be out in these streets misbehaving. Damaging to not only our community, but oneself,” Norman said.
The officer who shot the teen is 26 years old and has been placed on administrative duty while the investigation continues.
Neighbor Jadel Rivas said the incident is a reminder for residents to be cautious.
“Things like this have happened before. It’s best to stay inside the house, stay safe, and not go outside,” Rivas said.
The 17-year-old was taken to the hospital and is expected to be okay.
The investigation into the officer’s use of force and the original shots-fired call remains ongoing.
