Wauwatosa residents react after police officer found dead downtown

WAUWATOSA -- Officials in Wauwatosa are investigating the death of 30-year-old Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena. Sebena was found dead near Underwood and Harmonee in downtown Wauwatosa Monday morning, December 24th. Officials believe Sebena died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

Officials are calling this a homicide investigation, and no suspects are currently in custody.

Police blocked off streets in downtown Wauwatosa all day, though they have said the community should not feel threatened.

As Wauwatosa residents finished up last-minute Christmas shopping and grabbed lunch with loved ones on Christmas Eve, they were just learning the tragic news.

"Any time of the year it's going to be tragic -- especially when this is supposed to be a happy time with family," Cara Purtell-Elliot said.

"It's a neighborhood where people watch out for one another, but if it happened early in the morning, God knows," Tom Schuppe said.

Many residents noticed the increased police presence and blocked streets.

"They're on every corner. They're doing parking lot sweeps -- all that stuff," Lena Staves said.

As crime tape blocked the area surrounding Wauwatosa Fire Station 1, police insisted the community is safe, however, residents said this was a confusing message.

"If they're saying not to be concerned, then maybe they do have a suspect and they are looking for someone," Staves said.

Meanwhile, officials investigating had a tough job to do -- investigating the death of one of their own, on a day that is meant to be celebrated.

"It's the holidays. I think that's more sad that somebody's life and somebody's family changed on Christmas Eve. I hope that they find (the suspect)," Staves said.

Officials are urging residents to avoid the area of Wauwatosa Avenue, Church Street, north of Milwaukee Avenue and south of Harmonee Avenue.

The state department of justice's criminal investigation unit is investigating.

Lt. Witkowski says Officer Sebena graduated from MATC's Police Academcy and began working with the Wauwatosa Police Department in July 2011. Lt. Witkowski says Officer Sebena was married and describes her as a great person and officer.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Wauwatosa Police Department's Tip Line at 414-771-TOSA (8672).

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

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