17-year-old shot by Milwaukee police after officers say teen fled with rifle

Updated: 1:18 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 17-year-old was identified by family Thursday as Jouthem Rodriguez Lacourt.

UPDATED: 09/30/2026 11:49PM

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A 17-year-old was hospitalized after being shot by a Milwaukee police officer Wednesday night following a report of gunfire near 8th and Scott streets. 

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers were called shortly after 9:15 p.m. to the 1500 block of West Greenfield Avenue for a report of shots fired.

Police said residents in the area flagged down responding officers and directed them toward a group of dirt bikes leaving the area. Officers followed the group to an alley in the 700 block of West Scott Street.

While investigating where the gunfire originated, police said officers saw a masked person carrying a rifle.

According to MPD, the suspect began running from officers.

Police said officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but he did not comply. One officer then fired his weapon, striking the suspect.

A rifle was recovered next to the teen, according to police.

The 17-year-old was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The officer who fired his weapon was identified as a 26-year-old man with more than three years of service. He will be placed on administrative duty, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.

The Milwaukee Police Department's Homicide Division is investigating the incident. Police said potential charges involving the teen are expected to be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. 

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman addressed the teen's age during a news conference Wednesday night, expressing concern about young people carrying firearms.

"I want to put emphasis on that we have another young adult in our community handling firearms," Norman said. "This is unacceptable. This is a school night. There is no reason why our children should be out in these streets misbehaving in a way that is absolutely damaging, not only to our community, but to oneself."

Norman called on the community to become more involved in preventing young people from engaging in dangerous behavior.

"We need to make sure that we're doing everything we can to ensure that our young ones are not being — again — negative behavior out here in our community," Norman said. "This is an important message for our community. We need to step up. All of us need to step up."

When asked why a 17-year-old would have a rifle on a school night, Norman said he was "confused and perplexed" by the circumstances.

"That is a good question. I wish I really would know," Norman said. "I didn't play with rifles at age 17 on a school night. I was in bed."

MPD said body-worn camera footage from the shooting will be released in accordance with the department's Standard Operating Procedure 575.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Milwaukee police ask public to avoid area near 8th and Scott

POSTED: 09/30/2026 10:09 PM

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Milwaukee Police Department is asking the public to avoid the area near South Eighth Street and West Scott Street while officers respond to an incident.

Police have not released details about what prompted the response.

Authorities said additional information will be provided when it becomes available.

CBS 58 has a crew heading to the scene to learn more.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.