Racine police announce arrest in arson that destroyed Thelma Orr COP House amid protests

RACINE -- Racine Police Chief Art Howell on Tuesday, June 2 announced an arrest in the arson of the Thelma Orr Community-Oriented Policing House that happened early Monday, June 1 amid violent protests following the officer-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Racine Mayor Cory Mason joined Chief Howell for the Tuesday afternoon news conference to announce the arrest of "the party responsible for burning down the Thelma Orr COP House." Chief Howell said he expects charges Wednesday for the first person arrested -- and noted more arrests are coming.It happened early Monday, June 1 at the Thelma Orr COP House located at 1146 Villa Street in Racine.

Racine police share photos of 'large group attending party,' encourage reporting of 'violations'

RACINE -- Racine police in a news release Sunday, May 24 shared photos from a scene officers were dispatched to "last weekend, where a large crowd was assembled." Police called "events of this nature in the midst of a pandemic irresponsible," and offered a link where "active violations may be communicated."In the release, Racine police noted Memorial Day weekend is a time when we honor those who served our nation in the armed forces, and it also marks the unofficial start to summer -- increasing the number of gatherings throughout the community.Police said "due to the current COVID-19 crisis, social gatherings occurring over the holiday weekend and beyond should be conducted in a safe, sound and socially responsible manner."Racine police pointed to the photographs below showing "a large group of individuals who were attending a party in the area" -- using the event as an example of people not only "placing themselves at risk," but also, placing "their extended families at risk, members of the neighborhood and all responding officers at risk as, well."

National Police Week: Officers Matthew Rittner, John Hetland honored during virtual vigil

MILWAUKEE -- Four police officers from Wisconsin were honored Wednesday, May 13 during a nationwide candlelight vigil honoring those who have died in the line of duty.Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner's colleagues watched that vigil together where he worked, since it didn't go on as planned in Washington, D.C. Rittner was just one of 135 officers in the United States who died in the line of duty in 2019 -- and one of 307 honored Wednesday.

22-year-old suspect charged in Racine shooting that left 1 injured

RACINE --Malik Hale, 22, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide following a shooting that left one man injured on Wednesday, April 15 in Racine.Police were called to the area of 10th Street and Grand Avenue for the report of a shooting on Wednesday around 8:30 p.m.Officers found an adult male who had suffered a gunshot wound.

Racine man charged with attempted homicide in domestic violence incident

RACINE -- A Racine man with a criminal history that dates back more than two decades has been charged in connection to an April 7 domestic violence incident.According to a criminal complaint, Racine police officers were dispatched to a residence near Main and English Streets for a call that a woman had been beaten up by her boyfriend.

Driver died after vehicle struck utility pole in Racine, burst into flames

RACINE -- A driver died when a vehicle struck a utility pole and burst into flames early Sunday, March 1 near Washington Avenue and Perry Avenue.It happened around 2:30 a.m.Police said there was only one person in the vehicle, who passed away after the crash and fire.Officials with the Racine County Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin State Patrol responded to assist with the investigation into the cause of the crash.Anyone with information was asked to please contact police.