Milwaukee man charged; accused of fatally shooting passerby outside District 6 police station

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee man has been criminally charged in connection with the shooting death of 42-year-old Reed Carlsen. The shooting occurred in front of the District 6 police station near 27th and Oklahoma on August 18th.

Randall Drescher

65-year-old Randall Drescher of Milwaukee is facing one count of first degree reckless homicide.

According to the criminal complaint, Drescher, along with a friend, were sitting in a van in front of the District 6 police station around 6:40 p.m. when they got into an altercation with 42-year-old Reed Carlsen, who happened to be walking by. Police say Drescher drew a gun -- and then shot and killed Carlsen.

Drescher told investigators he rode to the police station with a friend who was attempting to buy a gun he found online. The transaction was supposed to take place outside the District 6 police station.

Drescher told police they were sitting in the van outside the police station when Carlsen walked up and asked if they were cops. Drescher allegedly told him to go away. Drescher claims Carlsen then threw a traffic cone into the open passenger window of the van. When Drescher got out to put the cone back, he says Carlsen walked quickly toward him.

Milwaukee Police District 6

Drescher said he feared for his life and shot Carlsen multiple times.

Drescher's friend told police that Carlsen was "acting hyper and appeared to be on drugs."

The medical examiner determined Carlsen had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. His death was ruled a homicide.

Following the shooting, prosecutors say Drescher put the gun into the van and walked in the police station and stated, “Get an ambulance, someone is shot outside.” Drescher was then taken into custody.

Fatal shooting outside MPD District 6 police station

He made his initial appearance in court in this case on August 23rd. Probable cause was found to hold Drescher for further proceedings. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for August 31st, and cash bond was set at $7,500.

Fatal shooting outside MPD District 6 police station

If convicted, Drescher could face up to 60 years in prison.