Bodycam video released: Milwaukee police kill suspect after pursuit
New video released in fatal Milwaukee police shooting
The Milwaukee Police Department released body camera video from an April 13 officer-involved shooting tied to a homicide investigation, where a 31-year-old man was shot and killed.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Police Department released body camera and dash camera video Tuesday, April 28, of a fatal officer-involved shooting from earlier this month involving a suspect linked to a homicide investigation.
Pursuit and shooting
The backstory:
The incident happened on April 13. Officers had been investigating a homicide near 7th and Mitchell and were searching for a vehicle connected to that case. 27-year-old Christian Aguilar was killed.
Police said that same vehicle was later involved in a shots-fired incident near 35th and Walnut. Shortly after, around 4:45 p.m., officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Investigators say the suspect fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed near 35th and National.
Dash camera video from police chase of homicide suspect on 35th Street viaduct in Milwaukee
Dash camera video from police chase of homicide suspect on 35th Street viaduct in Milwaukee
Police said the suspect then exited the vehicle and fired shots at officers. Multiple officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Authorities said firearms were recovered from the suspect.
The suspect, a 31-year-old man, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified him as Nicholas Maslowski.
Body camera video from chase and police shooting of homicide suspect on 35th Street viaduct in Milwaukee
A 34-year-old person involved in the crash was also taken to a hospital with non-fatal injuries.
Video released
What we know:
If you would like to review the police body camera video of the incident, Milwaukee police have made the video available. However, viewer discretion is advised.
Body camera video from chase and police shooting of homicide suspect on 35th Street viaduct in Milwaukee
NOTE: The Milwaukee Police Department’s Video Release Policy Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 575, establishes criteria for when video evidence that captures officer-involved incidents that result in death or great bodily harm will be released to the public. This policy is intended to balance important interests, including the public’s interest in transparency and police accountability, the necessity of preserving the integrity of criminal and administrative investigations, and the privacy interests of individuals depicted in such videos (including victims, witnesses, bystanders, and the individuals against whom force is used). This policy creates a presumption of release. It is our goal to release video in officer-involved incidents according to SOP 575 within 15 days of the incident.
Suspect’s father speaks out
What they're saying:
The suspect’s father said he has not watched the released video and described his son as struggling with mental health issues.
"I think in his final moments, he wanted to die then go back to jail. That's what I think and as a father, I wish I hadn't been estranged from him for so long," said Anthony Morgan-Marino, the suspect’s father. "The last thing I want to see is my son get shot down."
He said he feels for the family impacted earlier in the day.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"I am so, so sorry to the family this happened to Mr. Aguilar’s family that happened at 5:30 that morning. I am so sorry to them," he said. "Both of our families were destroyed, ripped apart."
Morgan-Marino also questioned the level of force used by officers.
"I think it was overkill. If I know my son, he probably shot up in the air, and then took off running and they unloaded on him. It makes me sick," Morgan-Marino said.
Officers on administrative duty
Dig deeper:
Eight officers discharged their weapons during the incident. They include:
- A 35-year-old male officer with more than 8 years of service
- A 33-year-old male officer with more than 14 years of service
- A 33-year-old male officer with more than 9 years of service
- A 33-year-old male officer with more than 8 years of service
- A 30-year-old male officer with more than 11 years of service
- A 30-year-old male officer with more than 7 years of service
- A 29-year-old male officer with more than 3 years of service
- A 26-year-old male officer with more than 7 months of service
All officers involved were placed on administrative duty, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team is handling the investigation, with the Wauwatosa Police Department serving as the lead agency.
Milwaukee police shooting, pursuit tied to earlier homicide; suspect dead
Milwaukee police shot and killed a 31-year-old suspect after a pursuit tied to a homicide, with investigators saying he later fired at officers near 35th and National on Monday, April 13.
The Source: Information in this post comes from previous reporting and the Milwaukee Police Department.