Milwaukee police use deadly force on knife-wielding suspect

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- For the second time in a week, Milwaukee police say they used deadly force when a knife-wielding suspect advanced toward officers. The latest incident happened at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th outside a home near 71st and Harrison on the city's southwest side.

Officers were called to the report of a suspect who had armed himself with two knives and was trying to kill a family member. When officers arrived they found the suspect outside, armed with the knives. The officers made several demands for the suspect to drop the knives, but the suspect instead advanced toward the officers. One officer discharged his handgun, striking the suspect.

The suspect is a 46-year-old Milwaukee man who has a criminal history of violence against his family. He was treated by Milwaukee Fire Department personnel, however, he died on the scene.

Traci Nowicki is the suspect's sister. She says the incident Saturday night involved a sibling squabble that ended with her brother, Chris Nowicki losing his life.

"One minute, I'm just diffusing the situation, next thing I know I hear shots. And I came out of the bathroom and my dad said 'you don't wanna go outside.'" I think we could've settled it, but hindsight's 20/20. You never know," Nowicki said.

Traci Nowicki says her brother had a side many didn't see.

"He was a loving father and got two lovely girls and a stepson and he's a grandfather," Nowicki said.

Now, Nowicki wonders whether police could've stopped her brother without killing him.

"He didn't have a gun. I can understand officers fearing for their lives, but he didn't have a gun. I don't think he had to die," Nowicki said.

The officer who shot the suspect is a 47-year-old male with nearly 21 years of service with the Milwaukee Police Department.

As is standard operating procedure, the incident is under investigation by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, per procedure, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative duty pending the completion of the investigation.