News Summary
The Milwaukee Police Department has disclosed video footage of a fatal shooting involving an off-duty officer and a suspect. The incident occurred after a minor vehicle collision, where the suspect drew a firearm and struck the officer. The officer responded by firing multiple shots, resulting in the suspect’s death. While the suspect’s family supports the officer’s actions as self-defense, they express concern over the officer’s failure to provide first aid afterward. The investigation is ongoing, led by the West Allis Police Department, amid discussions on police use of force and transparency.
Milwaukee – The Milwaukee Police Department has released video footage of a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on October 9, 2023. The shooting involved a 41-year-old off-duty officer, a 21-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on West Mill Road, specifically in a construction zone that required merging into a single lane. Dashcam video revealed that the suspect, 26-year-old Elijah Wilks, cut off the officer’s vehicle, resulting in a minor vehicle collision. Following this collision, both men exited their cars and engaged in a heated argument.
During their confrontation, Wilks accused the officer of hitting his vehicle. He then pulled out a firearm, striking the officer in the face with it. In response, the officer discharged his weapon multiple times, hitting Wilks, who later died at the scene.
Family members of Wilks, including attorney B’Ivory Lamarr, have indicated that they believe the officer acted justifiably in self-defense, referring to the video evidence. Despite their perception of the shooting as justified, they raised concerns about the officer’s failure to administer first aid to Wilks after the incident. Wilks’ family viewed the footage the day after the shooting and later announced their support for the officer’s actions during a press conference.
Wilks’ family described him as a good person who made a tragic mistake during the encounter. The West Allis Police Department is currently leading the investigation into the shooting. In an effort to maintain transparency, the Milwaukee Police Department released the video footage earlier than usual due to misinformation circulating on social media. Typically, the department allows families to view such footage within 48 hours and publicly releases it within 15 days.
As a standard procedure following officer-involved shootings, the officer involved in this incident has been placed on administrative duty. The release of the video is part of MPD’s effort to be transparent in the wake of such incidents, while also adhering to protocols regarding investigations into officer conduct.
The events surrounding this shooting highlight the complexities of interactions between law enforcement officers and the public. It raises questions about communication, conduct during traffic stops, and the importance of appropriate responses in high-stress situations.
This incident is part of a continuing dialogue about police use of force and accountability in communities across the country. The investigation may provide further insights into the procedures followed by officers and the support provided to individuals involved in potentially dangerous traffic encounters.
As this situation evolves, both the Milwaukee Police Department and the West Allis Police Department are expected to continue their investigations, with updates likely to be announced in the coming weeks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Wikipedia: Officer-involved shooting
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Google Search: Milwaukee officer involved shooting
- Police1
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee officer shooting
- WISN 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Violence
- New York Post
- Google News: Elijah Wilks shooting
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
