Robbery suspect shot, killed by police officer near 58th & Custer

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police are investigating an officer-involved shooting incident near 58th and Custer.

FOX6 News has learned a uniformed Milwaukee police officer shot an armed robbery suspect who was armed with a handgun.

That suspect succumbed to his injures at the scene.

Sources tell FOX6 News police initially came to the scene for a report of a robbery of two beer truck drivers.

Melanie Williams was outside for a smoke break outside a nearby barbershop when she witnessed the incident.

"I was watching this young man. He looked suspicious," Williams said.

Williams says the man was wearing a black mask and black clothes -- and was walking near a row of shops and a beer truck parked out front.

"He was pacing back and forth, back and forth," Williams said.

Police say two suspects were attempting to rob the beer truck drivers. When police arrived, the suspects fled the scene.

Officers caught up with one suspect, who was armed with a gun in a backyard down the block. That's when a fight ensued.

"During the struggle, the suspect reached into his waistband and pulled a loaded, semi-automatic black Glock pistol. The officer, fearing for his life, pulled out his sidearm and shot the suspect," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

The suspect died at the scene.

"This is a circumstance where there was literally no alternative, and the officer had no option but to defend his life," Chief Flynn said.

That officer is a nine-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department. That officer has been placed on administrative duty, which is standard after an incident like this.

The suspect has not been identified. The weapon and money have been recovered.

Police say the weapon has been identified as a stolen weapon from another state.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.