'Difficult time for us:' Emotional show of support as fallen officer arrives at medical examiner

Procession for officer killed in shooting at 28th and Wright

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department is mourning the loss of the second officer killed in the line of duty in just seven week's time. There was an emotional show of support Wednesday evening, July 25 as the officer's body was transported from Froedtert Hospital to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office.

MPD Chief Alfonso Morales said the officer was a 17-year veteran of MPD. He said the shooting happened as officers checked for a suspect wanted on drug and gun violations, involving members of MPD's Special Investigation Division. Officers approached and encountered the suspect at a residence near 28th and Wright, before shots were fired at officers. During an exchange of gunfire, "one of our members was injured," Morales said.

"I'm saddened to inform you the officer injured did not make it today. This is a difficult time for us. He was well loved by the department and a friend of mine," Morales said.

Chief Morales noted the suspect was not shot. An MPD spokeswoman said the suspect was arrested near 28th and Meinecke.

Officers lined the street near 9th and Highland, outside the medical examiner's office Wednesday evening, standing side by side, saluting their fallen colleague. When officers arrived, many were in tears. They stood in silence as the body was moved into the building. They prayed and tried to support one another after another tragedy for MPD. Some said after learning of the news, they wanted to show their respects in person.

Procession of fallen MPD officer

MPD is still mourning the loss of Officer Charles Irvine Jr., who died after a crash during a pursuit near 76th and Silver Spring on June 7. This, after a 22-year stretch where there were no deaths in the line of duty for MPD.