"A whole round of shots:" Police ID man killed in officer-involved shooting near 76th & Mill



MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police on Friday, May 6th identified the man killed in an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night, May 5th near 76th and Mill. The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Burt Johnson.

Burt Johnson



The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into an officer-involved shooting involving Milwaukee police officers.

It was a dramatic scene that played out over several blocks near 74th and Mill road. Police say officers nearby saw an armed robbery suspect after he robbed an auto parts store -- a foot chase then ensued.



"I heard them say, 'stand down, stand down,' and that's when a whole round of shots came," said Christine Willis, heard gunshots.

The suspect turned around and fired at police, striking one officer in the chest. Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said that officer's life was saved by his body armor.

The wounded officer was taken to the hospital with "significant contusions," Chief Flynn said. The officer was released from the hospital Friday morning.



Chief Flynn said the officer who was struck is a 38-year-old man with 14 years of experience on the force.

In the return fire, 38-year-old Burt Johnson was killed. Milwaukee police say he was a convicted felon and records show Johnson was most recently on parole for a 2009 burglary.

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The officers who fired, terminating the threat, are 41 and 31 years old, respectively -- both males. One has 10 years of experience on the force, and the other has six years experience.



"He was obviously killed in the commission of a crime after shooting one of our police officers. that's something none of us will ever ever ever tolerate -- is having our police officers shot at," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

"First I heard three shots, after that it was like 5-6. I closed the door and I got to the floor and I stayed down there," said Alonzo Lowe-Smith, witness.

Lowe-Smith said it all happened very fast once the suspect and police ran behind his apartment building.

"I heard one gunshot when I was standing in front of the apartment and I saw him run. I just saw him dead. I heard the gunshots and he was dead," said Lowe-Smith.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation continues its investigation.