Officers shoot, injure suspect who opened fire on MPD District 5 staff
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man started a gunfight Friday in a Milwaukee police station, shooting at officers in the public lobby.
It happened just after 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, Feb. 25 at District 5, located at Locust and Vel R. Phillips.
Major police presence on Locust, shutting down roads between 7th and MLK. Every cross street and alley is also blocked off by squad cars and police tape. Working to confirm what happened. Locust ramp off 43 is closed, and traffic is snarled everywhere. Updates on @CBS58pic.twitter.com/khKvH8BCIH
— Adam Rife (@AdamRifeReports) February 25, 2022
During a media briefing Friday evening, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said, "There is a lot of shaken-up staff, so my heart is out to my staff, I'm very proud of how they're handling themselves."
Chief Norman said there's a lot of destruction inside the lobby after the suspect entered and began firing at MPD staff. At the time, there were also several community members inside the lobby.
An officer returned fire, and the suspect identified as a 23-year-old Milwaukee man- fled the scene on foot. Officers chased him, shooting and hitting him several times. He was taken into custody near 6th and Chambers.
No one else was injured in the incident. The suspect sustained non-fatal injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. None of the officers involved were hit.
Chief Norman said, "We're going to be looking at all the different evidence, videos, and obviously there's going to be officer and witness interviews with our civilian staff."
The officers involved have been placed on administrative duty as is routine in all officer-involved shootings.
Chief Norman said, "This something I will say no one really expects, but this is not a new situation."
The shooting happened at the same location 20-year-old Keishon Thomas died Wednesday while in police custody after needing medical attention in jail, even though MPD said officers conducted several cell checks.
Police would not confirm the two incidents are related, but say they are looking into that possibility.
But Chief Norman could not confirm rumors of a possible connection. "We're still looking into all angles of this, and as stated, we have an outside agency conducting the investigation."
Earlier Friday Chief Norman announced three of the officers involved had been suspended for their roles in Thomas's death.
Thomas's family had planned a news conference for Friday afternoon, but postponed shortly before the shooting.
The incident is being investigated by the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team. The West Allis Police Department is leading the investigation.
This is a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 on air and online for updates.