Suspect killed in Milwaukee, officers' actions justified: DA
DA: Suspect killed in Milwaukee, officers' actions justified
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office determined law enforcement officers were justified when they shot at an armed suspect, killing him.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office determined law enforcement officers were justified when they shot at an armed suspect, killing him, in Milwaukee over the summer.
DA's decision
What they're saying:
The Oak Creek Police Department was the lead investigating agency and released its reports Thursday. A Glendale police officer, Milwaukee police sergeant and an FBI special agent were the subjects of the use of force investigation.
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In determining that the use of force was justified, Milwaukee County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Altenburg wrote, in part:
"Mr. Griffin's repeated use of deadly force created an objectively reasonable belief in the minds of the officers that there was imminent risk of bodily harm or death to them and possibly other civilians in nearby houses. The application of Wisconsin law to the facts and circumstances of the situation created by Mr. Griffin justifies the use of against him."
Shorewood shooting: Police release video from Thursday's incident
The Shorewood Police Department released video on Friday from a shooting that wounded an officer the previous day.
Shorewood shooting, Milwaukee chase
The backstory:
Police were initially called to a Shorewood shooting near Barlett and Wood early on July 3. A woman, later identified as 34-year-old Victoria Truss, died.
Police scene near 6th and Reservoir
While officers were responding, the police chief said, one of their squads was shot at by Tuss' boyfriend, 34-year-old Michael Griffin. One officer was wounded and later released from a hospital.
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Hours later, police reports say officers located Griffin’s vehicle using a Flock camera that captured the license plate. Glendale police initiated a chase near Port Washington Road and Silver Spring Drive.
The chase ended after Glendale police used a PIT maneuver to disable Griffin’s vehicle near 6th and Reservoir in Milwaukee. Investigators say Griffin continued shooting toward officers at that location.
Glendale police officer Manuel Medrano, Milwaukee Police Sgt. Jermaine Graham and FBI Special Agent Jacob Dettmering returned fire. Officers waited for armored vehicles to move into position before approaching the vehicle and determining Griffin had died.
Continued coverage
Dig deeper:
No officers were injured during the vehicle pursuit and officer-involved shooting.
Investigators recovered nine spent shell casings from inside Griffin’s car and 35 casings from the officers’ weapons. An autopsy found Griffin died from 11 gunshot wounds and had methamphetamine in his system.
The Source: FOX6 News referenced information released by the Oak Creek Police Department, as well as prior coverage of the incident.