Waukesha neighbors hear police-involved shooting unfold

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Neighbors woke up to gunshots and sirens following an officer involved shooting early Sunday morning.  It happened in the 500 block of Spring Crest Circle.

"It sounded like somebody was knocking on our window," neighbor Jim Gaulke said. "I could hear someone yell 'get back in your house, we're the police."

Shortly before 2 in the morning, Waukesha police and county sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a suicidal man.  Police say an elderly couple called 911 and told them the 44-year-old man had knives and was threatening the "cut throats."  Police say the man called dispatch and told them he had a hostage.  Police say the man charged at officers with knives in hand.  That's when he was shot by police.

"A helicopter flew over.  It was flight for life, I saw someone ambulances come," Gaulke said.

Neighbors say officers went door-to-door informing them of the incident and reassuring them.

"I don`t feel any less safe today, then I did yesterday," Gaulke said.

The man shot by police is expected to survive.  He could be charged as early as Monday.

Three Waukesha police officers and two sheriff's deputies are on paid administrative leave.  That is standard procedure following an officer involved shooting.