Capitol Officer in stable condition after stabbing in downtown Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Officials say Greg Friberg, the Capitol Police officer who was stabbed outside of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue office at a building in downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday, April 10th, is in stable condition.

Officer Friberg, 10-year veteran of the force, is recuperating after sustaining two stab wounds to the neck.

Late on Wednesday evening, Milwaukee police announced a 25-year-old West Allis man was taken into custody in connection with this incident. Police have said they do not believe this was a random act of violence.

The stabbing took place around 1 p.m. at an office near 6th and Wells. Two officers responded to the building because of a duress alarm on the fourth floor. When the officers arrived, they were confronted by a man who family members say pulled out a 10-inch blade and struck Officer Friberg twice in the neck.

"It did sound like it was a pretty hairy deal, and according to what Greg said, it went really fast.  The whole thing just took a few seconds," State Fair Police Chief Thomas Struebing said.

Struebing visited his long-time friend in the hospital on Thursday.

"Pretty lucky guy, but he was looking pretty good when we went to visit him," Struebing said.

Captain Jim Bruno with State Fair Police cut a vacation short when he heard of the stabbing. Officer Friberg not only works as a Capitol Police officer, but also as the Commander of the Mounted Unit at State Fair Park.

"I was just training with Greg several days ago in use of force, and a couple days later, I'm getting a phone call about his injury. He gets along so well with everyone.  He's just got that great personality.  And to be assaulted like that, just is, it's shocking," Bruno said.

The motive of the stabbing remains unclear.

"He's a tough guy. He's just a very lucky fellow that he is with us today," Bruno said.

Officer Friberg could be released from the hospital as early as Thursday night. The suspect in the case is being held on first degree homicide charges.

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