Officer-involved shooting at 76th and Mill: Robbery suspect fatally shot by officers

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into an officer-involved shooting involving Milwaukee police officers that happened on Thursday night, May 5th near 76th and Mill.

It happened around 8:30 p.m.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said during a news conference Thursday night that officers were dispatched for a report of a robbery at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 76th and Mill.

Responding officers spotted a masked man exit the store.

A foot chase then ensued, with the suspect firing at pursuing officers, Flynn said.

One officer was hit in the chest. Flynn said that officer's life was saved by his body armor.

The foot pursuit continued, and at the end of the pursuit, the suspect fired several more rounds at officers.

Two officers returned fire -- striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Burt Johnson.

The suspect's handgun was recovered at the scene.

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

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.

The officers have been placed on administrative leave per policy.

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

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

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