Undercover officer kills gas station gunman
Police: Suspect executed man filling up his car
A 32-year-old Hartland man on Tuesday was shot and killed by an undercover officer after killing a gas station patron execution style in rural Racine County.
The violence, which took place at two gas stations in Franksville, also left the undercover officer hospitalized with at least one gunshot wound. He was hailed as a hero by Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.
“This is 7:30 in the morning at this Mobil station,” Schmaling said. “It was bustling with activity, people getting their gas and people getting their morning cup of coffee. There’s no doubt in my mind the quick and heroic actions of our investigator saved lives today.”
Schmaling did not take questions from reporters during a press briefing shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday. He did not offer any details on a possible motive and did not identify any of those involved.
The sequence of events began about 7:30 a.m. at the Pilot Travel Center, at 13712 Northwestern Ave., when the suspect approached a 22-year-old Elkhorn man while he was filling his car with gas and “viciously executed” him, Schmaling said.
“I personally watched video of this horrific event and found it to be extremely disturbing and heart wrenching to view,” Schmaling said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and the suffering they’re experiencing.”
The suspect then fired at another vehicle before speeding away from the scene in a car, Schmaling said. The suspect then arrived at a Mobil gas station about two miles to the southeast, at 10616 Northwestern Ave., and again began shooting at another individua at close range.
The individual turned out to be an undercover Rac ine County Sheriff ’s Office deputy with 21 years of ex perience, who was just beginning his shift by gassing up an unmarked squad car, Schmaling said. The office returned fire, striking the man several times and kill ing him.
The officer was also struck by gunfire and taken to a hospital. Schmaling said he visited the officer and re ported he is conscious and alert.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice will investi gate the officer-involved shooting, Schmaling said.