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'He was acting pretty crazy:' Police release mugshot of suspect in fatal shooting of officer

By Aaron Maybin
Published  February 7, 2019 6:20pm CST
Milwaukee Police Department
FOX 6 Now Milwaukee

Suspect awaits charges

Suspect awaits charges



Jordan Fricke



MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department on Thursday, Feb. 7 released the mugshot of Jordan Fricke, 26, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Officer Matthew Rittner.

Police on Thursday continued to collect evidence at the home near 12th and Manitoba where Officer Rittner, 35, was shot on Wednesday morning while MPD's Tactical Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for the illegal sale of firearms and drugs. Officer Rittner, a 17-year veteran of the department, died at the hospital. Fricke was arrested after police said he fired several rounds.

Officer Rittner began his career with MPD as a police aide in 2001. He was also a Marine Corps veteran. His dedication to his community and country was often recognized. He left behind a wife and young son.

Fricke had not officially been charged in connection with the shooting as of Thursday, but police identified him as the suspect hours after the incident.





Donald Chapman



Donald Chapman, who lives in the neighborhood, said he was heartbroken knowing an officer died after working to keep his street safe.

"Not a good feeling that we lost the life of a person that protects us. We don't need the drugs and the weapons that are being tossed around out there," said Chapman.

Sabrina Lillie



Sabrina Lillie watched as Fricke was arrested.

"He was just wearing shorts and a T-shirt. He did have any shoes on or anything. He was yelling and kind of acting pretty crazy," said Lillie.

Court records show Fricke doesn't have a criminal past. His only legal troubles involved traffic violations and OWI. However, Lillie said she stayed away from his home.

"The landlord had definitely warned me about the house and said it was definitely bad news. Safer that the house is cleared out now. Hopefully the bad elements are out of the neighborhood," said Lillie.

Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner





The case will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for formal charges.