News Summary
A police shooting in Milwaukee resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man following a minor traffic accident. The incident involved an off-duty officer who was assaulted with a firearm during the collision. The officer returned fire, leading to the man’s death. Investigations are ongoing as the police community expresses concerns about safety.
Milwaukee experienced a fatal police shooting following a minor traffic collision on its north side. The incident unfolded at approximately 8:25 a.m. near North 49th Street and West Mill Road, resulting in the death of a 26-year-old man and injuries to an off-duty police officer.
According to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, the off-duty officer, a 40-year-old with 21 years of service, was en route to work when the vehicle accident occurred. After both drivers exited their cars to assess the damage, the other driver, identified as Elijah Wilks, approached the officer with a firearm and allegedly struck him in the face with it. In response, the officer drew his department-issued firearm, and an exchange of gunfire ensued.
Wilks was hit during the exchange and pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the officer sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Though the specific nature of his injuries has not been disclosed, he has since been released from the hospital. No other injuries from gunfire have been reported. A firearm was recovered from the scene.
Chief Norman confirmed that there is clear video footage of the incident available, which will be released in accordance with standard operating procedures in 15 days. While both individuals exchanged gunfire, it remains uncertain who fired first in the altercation. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave as part of routine protocol in officer-involved shooting investigations.
The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team is carrying out the investigation, with the West Allis Police Department serving as the lead agency. In light of the incident, the Milwaukee Police Association President characterized the situation as critical and underscored the dangers officers face even when off-duty.
Wilks’ family, however, expressed deep distress over the circumstances surrounding his death. Family members, including his stepfather, voiced their questions regarding the incident, while friends of Wilks provided differing narratives about the events leading to the shooting. Tensions were palpable in the aftermath, particularly as the family contested the police report’s details.
Wilks’ loved ones described him as well-mannered and soft-spoken, a portrayal that conflicts with the police’s account of the encounter. The shooting took place shortly before city officials began a hearing on the police department’s budget, which was interrupted by the incident.
This incident highlights the complexities surrounding police use of force and the challenges of ensuring accountability while maintaining public safety. As investigations continue, community members and city officials await further information and the implications of this tragic event on local policing and public discourse.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 6 Now
- WISN 12 News
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- TMJ4 News
- Fox 6 Now – Incident Video
- Wikipedia: Police Violence
- Google Search: Milwaukee police shooting October 2025
- Google Scholar: Police use of force
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police accountability
- Google News: Milwaukee shooting investigation
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.
