Four Milwaukee police officers recognized for restraint in face of danger

An 18-year-old man wanted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend is in Milwaukee police custody.

Four officers from District 7 are credited for capturing him.

"They had to move fast when the opportunity arose," said Police Chief Ed Flynn.

In teams of two, officers Evan Domine, Andrew Schnell, Richard Voden and Omarlo Phillips, were on patrol in two separate squads near 72nd and Capitol Thursday, when they got an alert on the license plate of a Chevy Malibu.

"That the vehicle was wanted in connection with the homicide," Flynn said.

In the passenger seat was Hakeem Tucker. Officer Domine got him out and started patting Tucker down for weapons.

"He moved a little bit and I told him keep his hands where I could see them," he said. "And next thing I know, there was a gun coming over his shoulder."

"And was heard to say 'shoot me, shoot me,'" said Flynn.

"Grabbing it was the first thing that came to my mind," Domine said.

After his gun was wrestled away, Tucker tried to run, but the three other officers caught him. Each was given a challenge coin for their courage.

Assigned to the bike unit, the officers have a combined experience of about 17 years.

"It's what happens when you have each others back," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "It's what happens when you've got great training and great leadership."

"It was a selfless act on the part of the police officers, but we don't forget the tragedy that necessitated it," Flynn said.

Early on January 3rd, Stephanie Jones, 18, was shot dead. Her 54-year-old father was struck too and remains in the hospital with serious injuries.

Jones leaves behind a two-year-old daughter that she shared with Tucker.

Records show he had just got out of jail after serving only nine months of a 40-month sentence for armed robbery.

"The fact of the matter remains had this individual been behind bars this crime would not have occurred," said Flynn.

The driver of the Malibu was also taken into custody and charges against Tucker are expected in the coming days.