Search for suspect underway after officer-involved shooting in Racine

RACINE -- Racine police are working to track down a suspect tied to an officer-involved shooting that happened Thursday night, Dec. 20.

Officer-involved shooting near 17th and Boyd, Racine

According to police, around 8:23 p.m. Racine police were investigating a known wanted party. An officer located the subject near 17th and Boyd Avenue. As the officer exited his squad car, the wanted subject entered his vehicle and accelerated towards the officer. The officer discharged his firearm at the vehicle -- which then fled the scene. Neither the vehicle nor the wanted party has been located as of this time.

"We're not used to seeing anything like that," said Leroy Ward, a resident of the neighborhood. "I looked out and it was my neighbor he was shooting at. I said, 'Oh, this boy got himself in trouble again.'"

Leroy Ward

The officer involved is a 5-year veteran of the police department.  The officer was not injured and will be on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

"The officer showed extreme patience," said Tom Schoenfeld, a resident of the neighborhood. "He hollered several times, 'Show us your hands.'"

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this crime.  Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 266-636-9330, or text 274637 (CRIMES).  Text message should begin with RACS.