1 dead after shootout with police near 6th and Reservoir Avenue
Updated: July 7, 2025
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The identity of the suspect was confirmed by the Wauwatosa Police Department Monday as Michael Griffin.
Published: July 3, 2025
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Law enforcement agencies confirm a chase and shootout that ended near Reservoir and Finlayson in Milwaukee Thursday, July 3, was connected to a fatal early morning shooting in Shorewood.
Shortly after 9 a.m., police spotted a black sedan that was connected to the suspect. A chase ensued and continued through Milwaukee.
"Around 9:30, we heard a series of bullets, vehicles banging, just a lot of noises I've never heard before," said Nicole Groce, witness.
Police say the driver sped through the streets despite flat tires and continued to shoot at responding officers as he drove. The chase ended when police crashed the car, but officials say the suspect still did not surrender. Officers fired back, and the suspect was killed.
Facebook video shows two bearcats surrounding a black Mercedes sprayed with bullet holes.
Residents on Reservoir were on lockdown for nearly eight hours before police cleared the scene.
Witnesses Nicole and Terri live across the street from the scene. They say they saw the suspect and officers firing at each other.
"It was a very scary thing. It was a traumatic thing and nothing that I thought I would have to encounter on a day off," said Terri Howard, witness.
"The scene was pretty gruesome, difficult to even recall details at this point. The officers gave him time, if the individual could have to come out of the vehicle to get medical attention, but I think they saw he wasn't being responsive, so they pulled him out of the car and that was again, gruesome details that unfortunately, we had to witness," said Howard.