Police shooting of Roberto Zielinski: Body camera video, 911 calls released
MILWAUKEE - After the brother of a Milwaukee police officer was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting, the family of the victim, 49-year-old Roberto Zielinski, is now criticizing how it all unfolded.
This reaction comes on the same day the Milwaukee Police Department released information regarding the police-involved shooting of Zielinski that occurred on Sunday, May 30 near 29th and Cleveland.
Roberto Zielinski
According to police, officers were dispatched to the neighborhood around 10:30 p.m. on that Sunday for a report of shots fired.
"Upon arrival, officers heard shots and observed an armed individual on the front porch. The individual ran to the rear porch and fired several more shots. Officers encountered the subject who refused several verbal commands to drop his gun," Milwaukee Police Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman said at the time.
Body cam of incident at 29th and Cleveland, Milwaukee
Police said an officer discharged his firearm, striking Zielinski, who died despite efforts by emergency personnel. No other officers returned fire and no one else was injured. Police said a weapon with an extended magazine was recovered.
Weapon recovered at 29th and Cleveland, Milwaukee
Scene at 29th and Cleveland, Milwaukee
Scene at 29th and Cleveland, Milwaukee
The officer, a 47-year-old man with six years of service with the Milwaukee Police Department, was put on administrative duty, pending the outcome of the investigation. Waukesha police led that investigation.
Watch the video released by Milwaukee police. IMPORTANT: Viewer discretion is advised.
The family is now calling for the arrest and firing of the officer who pulled the trigger. The family is also considering a federal civil rights lawsuit.
The Zielinski family took issue on Friday with what they call the editing of the video released by Milwaukee police – and how the entire situation was handled by MPD.
"We demand the department release all of the video," said Russell Ainsworth, civil rights attorney.
Zielinski's sister, Angela Gonzalez, is a Milwaukee police officer. The family attorney said they watched the raw video of the incident – and what was released to the public. They say redacted parts including where Zielinski is calling out for his sister. The family and attorney question the tactics and de-escalation tools used by the officers. They say the video released is missing a disturbing comment from the officer who pulled the trigger.
"He stated when I see the shot, I’m taking the shot before he was even briefed," Ainsworth said.
"My mom should still have her brother. My cousin should still have their dad. It hurts," said Jacob Gonzalez, nephew.
In a statement, Milwaukee police say they are the only Wisconsin law enforcement agency that releases community briefings prior to charging decisions. They say the commentary in the videos is not meant to persuade, but to provide context. They say redactions are meant to protect a family's privacy. They say more video will be released through the public records process.
The case is being presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for review.
Officer shoots, killed armed man near 29th and Cleveland
This incident is being investigated by the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team and the Waukesha Police Department is the lead agency.
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Pursuant to the Milwaukee Police Department’s Standard Operating Procedure, a critical incident that involves the death or great bodily harm of a person while in police custody will be investigated by an outside and independent law enforcement agency. To review the video, please click on or go to the link below.
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