Milwaukee Police Release Body Camera Footage of July 4th Water Street Shooting

The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) released body-worn camera footage on July 10, 2024, detailing a police-involved shooting that occurred on the 1100 block of North Water Street during the early morning hours of July 4. The incident resulted in the injury of a 26-year-old man, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The release follows standard departmental policy regarding the disclosure of footage in critical incidents.

Timeline of the July 4th Incident

According to the official MPD incident report, officers were patrolling the Water Street entertainment district when they encountered an individual armed with a firearm. The video footage shows the interaction escalating quickly. As officers approached, the suspect brandished a weapon, prompting three officers to discharge their service firearms. The suspect sustained injuries and was taken into custody at the scene before being transported for medical treatment.

The officers involved have been identified by the department as a 30-year-old with seven years of service, a 25-year-old with five years of service, and a 23-year-old with three years of service. Per Milwaukee Police Department protocol, all three officers were placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Independent Investigation Protocols

In accordance with Wisconsin state law, the investigation into the shooting is being conducted by an outside agency to ensure impartiality. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the probe. This is a mandatory requirement under state statutes for all officer-involved deaths or serious injuries occurring within Wisconsin.

The DCI is tasked with gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing all available forensic data, including the body camera footage and surveillance recordings from nearby businesses. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officers’ use of force was consistent with state law.

Public Transparency and Departmental Policy

The release of the footage aligns with the Milwaukee Police Department’s commitment to transparency in cases involving use of force. The video provides a visual record of the events leading up to the discharge of weapons, though the investigation remains active. The MPD has not released the name of the suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation.

Key Facts Regarding the Investigation

• Location: 1100 block of North Water Street, Milwaukee.
• Date: July 4, 2024.
• Involved Parties: Three MPD officers (ages 30, 25, and 23) and one 26-year-old male suspect.
• Lead Investigative Agency: Wisconsin Department of Justice (DCI).
• Status: Officers are on administrative duty; the suspect is in stable condition.

The community and legal observers are awaiting the final report from the District Attorney’s office, which typically follows the submission of the DCI’s investigative file. No specific timeline for the conclusion of this review has been provided by the Milwaukee County authorities.