Waukesha officer honored after being shot at

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Waukesha leaders recognized an officer shot in the line of duty with a Citation of Valor on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The shooting happened at a home near Oakdale and Sunset on Dec. 14, 2022.

Officers Jose Arellano and Brandon Pierce responded for a well-being check/landlord needing assistance with the tenant. As they were checking the house, a female located in the basement fired at police. An officer returned fire and struck the female, who was later identified as 40-year-old Katie Powers. 

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She died from the gunshot injury.

Pierce was shot in close proximity and Arellano helped get Pierce to safety. Investigators said Pierce's ballistic vest likely saved his life.

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Waukesha police shooting bodycam, 2 officers hurt, female shooter dead

Waukesha police released body camera video showing a police shooting that happened Dec. 14, 2022 at a home on Oakdale Drive. Katie Powers was fatally shot, and two officers were hurt after responding to reports of someone drilling into the foundation of a duplex.

Officer Jeremy Philipps and dispatchers Ryan-Ann Carpenter, Justin Sobczak and Megan Margritz also each received a Letter of Commendation for their work on the case.

"I'm grateful for Jose," Pierce said. "Had he not grabbed that gun when he did, it could have been worse so I thank him every day."

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Chief of Police Daniel Thompson signed the Citation of Valor and Letter of Commendation.