Chief: Officer injured in traffic stop shooting is ‘fighting for his life’
Greenfield’s police chief said the officer injured in a Sunday morning fatal police shooting is “still fighting for his life” at Froedtert Hospital.
In a video statement released Tuesday on social media, Chief Jay Johnson thanked members of the Milwaukee police and fire departments, staff at Froedtert Hospital and members of his own department for helping the 36-year-old officer, who was critically injured in the shooting on Milwaukee’s south side.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased man Monday as Tyran C. Lamb.
The identities of the injured officer and the other officers involved in the incident have not yet been released.
The officers who were involved at the scene have been placed on administrative leave, per policy, Johnson said.
Johnson’s remarks provided a bit more clarity about how the incident unfolded.
“Early Sunday morning, one of our officers performed a traffic stop,” Johnson said. “Upon the arrival of a backup officer, the suspect vehicle fled from the scene.”
A pursuit ensued, which ended with a traffic crash at 27th and West Becher streets in Milwaukee, he said.
“As officers approached the vehicle to take the subject into custody and check on the welfare of those involved, the suspect fired a weapon from inside the vehicle at both officers,” Johnson said. “The suspect fled on foot, continuing to shoot at our officers.”
The officers retreated to safety and one of the officers was found to have several gunshot wounds, Johnson said. The backup officer performed lifesaving measures on the injured officer.
Lamb was found a short distance away. Members of the Milwaukee police and fire departments attempted lifesaving measures, but Lamb was pronounced dead at the scene.
The entire incident was recorded by both body cameras and both squad videos, Johnson said.
The recordings have been turned over to the Milwaukee Police Department, the primary investigator for the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, which is investigating the incident, he said.
The chief did not provide the reason for the original traffic stop, but on Sunday, Greenfield Assistant Police Chief Ray Radakovich said investigators have not been able to speak with the injured officer.
Johnson said his department will provide updates “as allowed.”