Suspect's wife in beating of officer says she doesn't believe police

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Two days after Milwaukee Police Officer Dwain Monteilh was struck in the face and eye, the suspect's wife says she doesn't believe police are telling the truth about what really happened. Meanwhile, the suspects allegedly involved, 24-year-old Tory Johnson and his 18-year-old cousin Keandre remain behind bars.

The attorney representing Tory Johnson wouldn't get into specifics, but he claims the facts are being distorted by the Milwaukee Police Department.

On Monday, August 26th, police say Johnson got into a physical fight with Officer Monteilh and tried to grab the officer's service weapon.

Tory Johnson`s wife, Amanda, says the Milwaukee Police Department`s account of what happened on Monday just doesn`t add up.

"He`s a gentle person.  He doesn't hurt anyone," Amanda Johnson said.

On Monday afternoon, police say Officer Monteilh and his partner approached two men acting suspiciously in the 2800 block of West Auer.  Monteilh tried to question Tory Johnson, while the other officer spoke with Johnson's 18-year old cousin.  That`s when both men reportedly tried to run and then started a physical altercation with the officers.

"I don`t believe what`s been said and he`s not that type of person," Amanda Johnson said.

Police claim Johnson struck Officer Monteilh several times in the face and tried to take his gun.

"We don`t believe the official account of what`s happened is correct," Johnson's attorney, Brian Kinstler said.

Kinstler says he`s spoken to several witnesses in the area who support his client.  When asked what he's being told happened, Kinstler wouldn`t give details, but he did say police had no reason to approach Johnson in the first place.

"The facts haven`t all come out.  What we`ve had is a press release and the chief talking to reporters," Kinstler said.

Hours after the incident, police gave their version of the events.

"While they were not armed, one of them made every attempt he could to get the officer`s firearm. This was a violent struggle," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

Chief Flynn says the struggle was so violent, Officer Monteilh would have been justified in using deadly force to protect himself.

Johnson's attorney says his client has several municipal warrants out for unpaid parking tickets. He also has a record with police for carrying a concealed weapon, battery and domestic violence.

Officer Monteilh was released from the hospital on Tuesday.