Milwaukee Police Release Dashcam Video of Officer-Involved Shooting
On Monday, Milwaukee police made public a dashcam video depicting a fatal shootout involving an off-duty officer and a man who attacked him shortly before the gunfire erupted.
According to police reports, the officer was involved in a minor car accident in the 4800 block of West Mill Road just before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday while on his way to work.
Police stated that the video was released “in the interest of transparency.”
Following the accident, both drivers exited their vehicles to assess the damage. At that point, the other driver approached the off-duty officer, drew a gun, and struck him in the face with it.
The off-duty officer then drew his own firearm, resulting in a shootout. The 26-year-old assailant was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, while the officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
Police noted that the officer, who is 40 years old and has over 21 years of experience, is currently engaged in standard administrative duties related to officer-involved shooting investigations.
The Milwaukee Regional Investigation Team is looking into the incident, with the West Allis Police Department leading the investigation. The footage was made public after complying with regulations requiring law enforcement to give the next of kin a chance to view relevant footage within 48 hours and to release it within 15 days following a serious incident.
WISN TV reported that the family of Elijah Wilkes, the man who was killed, wanted the video released quickly, believing it would clarify the events as they unfolded. The family’s attorney mentioned that the released video would show exactly what transpired during the confrontation.
Moreover, a community member noted that police found a bullet from a 10mm firearm lodged in a living room wall, and video showed Wilkes facing that direction at the time. However, Milwaukee police clarified that he did not possess a 10mm service weapon.
In a statement, the family’s attorney remarked on their difficult decision to release the footage, saying it opened up a chance for accountability and contributed to the grieving process, hoping to help heal the community.
