West Allis police arrest knife-wielding man accused of breaking into home near 76th and Orchard
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- West Allis police say they've taken a knife-wielding suspect into custody after using non-lethal force Monday afternoon, July 20.
"We heard a couple very loud booms. At first, I was like, oh, we've got to get away from the windows," said Christine Elger, who saw it all happen from her home.
Officers responded to the area near 76th and Orchard around 2:20 p.m. after a caller reported a man pounding on his door saying someone was trying to kill him. After the man walked away from the initial caller's home, police say dispatch received a call stating that a man had smashed out the front window of another residence on the block and went inside.
"Police officers are coming up and they’re like, 'get inside, just get inside,' and then there’s another loud boom," said Elgers.
Officers located the suspect armed with a knife, according to the police department, and attempted to speak with him. At that time, police say another window broke, and officers heard a sound they say could have been gunfire; this has not yet been confirmed.
SWAT personnel responded to the scene, and after roughly 40 minutes of commands, police say the suspect exited the home still armed with a knife and ignoring officers' orders.
Police say they ultimately used a Taser and less than lethal munitions to take the man into custody.
Elger says it happened right on her front lawn, and she caught it all on video.
"Even when they were tasing them here, stuff hit the window and I’m like alright, let’s lock the doors," said Elgers. "You know, draw the shades, and I had my grandson stay in the back."
The suspect was treated on scene by the West Allis Fire Department and taken to an area hospital for medical clearance.
An investigation is ongoing.
