Dashcam video released into shooting between MPD officer, Elijah Wilks
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) released dash camera video showing the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Elijah Wilks.
Wilks was shot Oct. 9 by an officer, who was off duty at the time, near 49th and Mill.
Wilks' mother and family want people to see the video to understand how Wilks' actions forced the officer to respond.
The dashcam video is from inside the off-duty officer's personal car at about 8:25 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Elijah Wilks is driving the car in the right lane.
As he approaches a closed lane ahead, he tries to merge, cutting in front of the officer's car.
There's a minor collision, and both cars pull over. Wilks shouts as he approaches the plain-clothes officer.
They both walk to the front of the officer's car to look at the damage.
Wilks pulls a pistol from his hoodie pocket and hits the officer in the face. Wilks briefly puts the gun back in his pocket as he retreats toward his car. But then he pulls it out again and points it at the officer.
The officer then pulls his firearm. Several shots are fired, though it's unclear how many from each gun.
Wilks tumbles toward the front of his car. For several seconds, there's silence. Then Wilks peers around his car and more shots are fired.
Wilks is not seen again as the officer shouts instructions.
Wilks was pronounced dead at the scene.
The next day, Friday, Oct. 10, Wilks' mother, Pamela Bonslater, and her attorney watched the video at police headquarters.
That afternoon, Attorney B'Ivory LaMarr told reporters, "We do believe that this officer-involved shooting was justified."
LaMarr and the family were adamant that Elijah was at fault.
Originally, the family asked MPD to hold the video for two weeks to give them more time to grieve.
But when social media posts questioned what happened, the family wanted the video out immediately to combat any false claims.
The officer involved has not been identified but is still recovering from injuries.
Elijah Wilks' mother is currently planning his funeral.
Watch the full video here.