Milwaukee shooting: Sheriff's office employee killed, family says

Sheriff's office employee killed, family says

A Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office employee was shot and killed on the city's north side Friday night, his family told FOX6 News.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office employee was shot and killed on the city's north side Friday night, his family told FOX6 News.

Teutonia and Chambers

What we know:

The shooting happened shortly after 5 p.m. Police said a suspect fired several shots into a vehicle, hitting the 56-year-old victim.

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What they're saying:

The victim's family identified him as Dennis Johnson. They told FOX6 News he was a Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office employee who had just left work at the courthouse.

Dennis Johnson (photo provided by family)

"I heard the gunshots – it was about eight shots," said community liaison Boston Love. "For this to have happened right here, so close to the church, so close to businesses and so much traffic. I'm just happy that no one got caught in the crossfire of it."

In a statement, Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball confirmed Johnson was a longtime public safety officer with the agency. 

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"Every senseless killing is a tragedy. However, because PSO Johnson was a member of our family, this one hits home," the statement continued, adding, "We offer sincere condolences to the loved ones, and colleagues of PSO Johnson. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him."

What we don't know:

It's not clear what led to the gunfire. Police are looking for whoever is responsible.

MPD tips

What you can do:

Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.