Suspect charged in Racine Officer Hetland's death set to make 1st court appearance

Suspect due in court

John Hetland

RACINE COUNTY -- The man accused of shooting and killing a Racine police officer is set to make his first court appearance on Monday, July 1. It comes two weeks after John Hetland was fatally shot while trying to stop a robbery at Teezers bar on June 17.

Dalquavis Ward, 26, has been charged with the following:

The off-duty Officer Hetland climbed over the bar and fought with the suspect before being pushed back, shot, and killed. A single shot that would send the department and community reeling with emotions.

Fatal shooting at Teezers bar in Racine

Days ticked by without a suspect. Countless people paid their respects to the fallen officer.

Procession for fallen Racine Officer John Hetland

"It's just horrific when something like this happens to one of our police officers," said Niko Kamakian, Racine Police Department.

"Several days ago, I was pretty confident we would have somebody in custody," said Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth.

Officials announced a suspect was picked up in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 27.

"He is wearing Officer Hetland's handcuffs. That is how he was taken to jail and that part feels good," said Capt. William Beauchene, Milwaukee Police Department.

Dalquavis Ward

Ward had just gotten out of federal prison on armed robbery sentence days before the attempted armed robbery. He's now back behind bars facing more felony charges.

A step toward some type of closure.

"It really hasn't hit home," said Michael Tussler, friend of Hetland. "It's going to be tough. Tough for all of us."

Ward is being held without bond in the Kenosha County Jail.

Remembering Officer Hetland at Teezers