Off-duty detective catches burglars in the act at his own home

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police say an off-duty detective shot at a suspect who was burglarizing his house near 44th and Manitoba just before 6 p.m. on Monday, November 12th.

It's not clear whether the burglars knew they were in the home of a Milwaukee police detective. But this is definitely not the first time the suspects were in trouble. In fact, they're described as career criminals.

The detective arrived home on Milwaukee's south side and found a side door to his house was open. The officer took cover and called for help. Police say a suspect looked out the front door and then retreated. A second suspect, armed with a handgun, looked out a side door.

The officer says when the second suspect raised a gun, the officer fired, but did not strike the suspect.

"Burglaries are a problem for us and it's outrageous no matter whose house it is," said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn. "When people break into houses they really do damage to the neighborhood. In some ways it's fortunate it was a detective because he could arrest these people and make sure they are held accountable."

Two suspects fled and remain at large. Police say a third suspect was found hiding in the basement.

"These are career criminals and we've got to do a better job of keeping them off the streets longer. Although I understand that two of them just completed a prison sentence and were still out on the streets looking to continue their careers. Hopefully this detective's quick actions nipped their comeback in the bud," said Chief Flynn.

The detective involved in this case is 44 years old. He's with the Criminal Investigation Bureau and has been with the Milwaukee Police Department for 16 years. He remains on full duty.

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