Family members hold vigil for 17-year-old killed in officer-involved shooting
WAUWATOSA (CBS 58) -- Family members held a vigil in the parking lot of the Cheesecake Factory near Mayfair Mall to remember 17-year-old Alvin Cole.
“Even though they told us the Wauwatosa police are not the ones doing the investigation, whatever department is, whatever county, jurisdiction is, we want this to be looked at fair and openly," said Cole's cousin, Nicole Howard.
According to Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber, around 5:41 Sunday night, mall security at Mayfair reported a disturbance involving approximately ten individuals inside the mall. Weber said while officers were responding, at least one witness reported seeing one of the people involved in the disturbance in possession of the handgun.
"Officers located a group of individuals outside of the mall. Upon seeing officers, at least four suspects fled on foot," said Weber.
"One of them matched the description given of the suspect in possession of the gun. Officers called out in foot pursuit and gave chase through the parking lot. During the foot pursuit, the suspect was in possession of a handgun. One officer fired their duty handgun, striking the suspect."
Cole was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t function. It’s going to be a very difficult time for me," said Alvin Cole's mom, Tracy, at the vigil.
Those gathered also chanted, "No justice! No peace!"
“It’s not justified for what they did," said Tracy Cole.
The officers involved have not been named, but are currently on administrative leave, per department policy.
The Milwaukee Police Department is handling the investigation.
CBS 58 asked MPD if Cole had pointed a gun at officers or anyone else before he was shot, but the department said they are not releasing any additional information at this time.