Police: Officer fatally shot burglary suspect on Crystal Spring near Richmond in Caledonia

CALEDONIA -- A burglary suspect was shot and killed by an officer on Crystal Spring near Richmond Drive in Caledonia in Racine County Sunday, Aug. 18.

Caledonia police said around 5 p.m., officers responded to a burglary in progress on Crystal Spring -- where a uniformed officer encountered a male "who immediately engaged the officer with an edged weapon, causing a serious head wound to the officer."

The injured officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the individual, ending the threat.

The officer was taken to the hospital. Police said the preliminary assessment was that the officer's injuries were serious, but survivable.

The suspect died at the scene.

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Racine police responded to assist with the officer-involved shooting investigation.

The incident sent shockwaves through the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Kathy Ringwelski said she knew something terrible happened when she heard a squad speed past her home.

"It wasn't 30 seconds later, and I heard five shots," said Ringwelski.

Ringwelski said more officers arrived quickly.

"There had to have been at least 20 to 25 that just came," said Ringwelski. "I mean, they were zooming in here like nobody's business."

Other neighbors said Caledonia police, Racine police, and sheriff's deputies swarmed the area, with SWAT on standby.

"I've never seen so many police cars come that quick," said a neighbor. "What we heard was maybe a burglary, and that's how the cop got hurt. The minute I heard the five shots, I was praying for the officer."