Attorney General: Report on shooting of Tony Robinson sent to prosecutor in about two weeks

Report on shooting of Tony Robinson sent to prosecutor in about two weeks

MADISON (WITI/AP) — Wisconsin's Attorney General Brad Schimel says a report on the shooting of 19-year-old Tony Robinson by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny should be sent to a prosecutor in about two weeks.

"At this time, we feel very confident that within two weeks, we will be in a position to turn over our completed reports to the DA," Schimel said.

Tony Robinson

Schimel updated the investigation Thursday, March 12th -- speaking for the first time since the shooting last Friday, March 6th. Schimel was joined by an administrator with the DOJ's Division of Criminal Investigation. They say about 80% of the investigation into Robinson's death should be completed in the next two weeks and forwarded to the Dane County District Attorney, who will make the ultimate decision as to whether any charges will be filed.

The incident last Friday began when authorities got a call that a male was yelling and jumping in front of cars, Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said.

A little later, the dispatcher says, “Apparently Tony hit one of his friends. No weapons seen.”Dispatchers identified him as Tony Robinson, according to 911 audio obtained by WKOW.

About four minutes later, the dispatcher says, “I got another call for the same suspect at . He tried to strangle another patron.”

About 30 seconds later, an unidentified officer says, “Shots fired, shots fired.”

Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny

When Officer Matt Kenny went to the apartment, he heard some commotion and forced his way in, Koval said.

“Once inside the home the subject involved in this incident — the same one allegedly out in traffic and that had battered someone — assaulted my officer,” Koval said.

Koval says Robinson attacked Officer Kenny.

After that, according to the chief, “The officer did draw his revolver and subsequently shot the subject.”

Robinson had a criminal history. Wisconsin Circuit Court documents indicate Robinson pleaded guilty in December to an armed robbery that occurred last April.

This officer-involved shooting has made Madison the latest epicenter of protests. Two rallies were held near the Capitol on Wednesday, March 11th -- one in support of Robinson, and one in support of law enforcement.

Schimel and David Matthews, administrator for the DOJ's Division of Criminal Investigation say the investigation into Robinson's death has become the top priority for the DOJ.

"DCI has involved 29 agents, supervisors, and analysts at this point in the investigation. We`ve cancelled all non-critical tasking. This, while we are conducting a number of other officer-involved cases across the state," Matthews said.

David Matthews, head of the state agency leading the investigation, said agents have done at least 60 interviews and filed more than 100 reports. He said they're looking at everything Robinson, Officer Matt Kenny and witnesses were doing that day.

"There's going to be at least 60 witness interviews," Matthews said.

"We`re near the point where we have completed the interviews and collection of evidence we need. We starting to put together the volumes of report," Schimel said.

One of those interviewed is Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison), who co-sponsored the bill that mandates an outside investigation of all police-involved deaths.

"I can say DCI is doing what they need to do. I was interviewed extensively by them," Rep. Taylor said.

Rep. Taylor says she was at a gas station near the shooting scene and heard what sounded like gunshots.

"We don`t get a chance to redo this kind of investigation," Rep. Taylor said.

State officials say they won't release any specific information about the Tony Robinson case. Schimel is encouraging the public to be patient before judging what happened. He says he appreciates that Robinson's family has urged that protests be peaceful.

"I anticipate the results of this investigation will make the circumstances understandable and will provide answers to the questions people have at this time. We just need to wait until that is ready to be released," Schimel said.

Since January 5th, 2015, there have been six officer-involved shootings statewide. Three of those have been fatal -- one in Milwaukee, one in Green Bay and now one in Madison.

In September, Schimel's predecessor, J.B. Van Hollen submitted a budget request to fund five new positions within the DOJ to help with officer-involved shooting investigations. The $740,000 request so far hasn't been released, but the caseload has grown.

"We have remained engaged with the Governor`s office throughout this process. We have made them aware of our priorities with the budget," Schimel said.

This week, a spokeswoman with the Governor's office shared documents that showed the DOJ didn't anticipate a fiscal impact when the law regarding the investigation of officer-involved shootings. She says "if the DOJ feels as though additional funding is necessary to address these cases. We are willing to work with them and the state Legislature to ensure adequate funding."

Report on shooting of Tony Robinson sent to prosecutor in about two weeks

READ IT: DOJ press release on investigation into officer-involved shooting of Tony Robinson.

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