A Madison police officer shot and killed a man in his 30s on Wednesday during an attempted arrest in the Marquette neighborhood. According to Madison Police Chief John Patterson, the incident occurred after officers responded to a report of an individual checking parked vehicles. The man fled on a bicycle before being apprehended about 30 minutes later, leading to a physical struggle with four officers.
Patterson stated that a veteran officer fired three shots after the suspect produced a large, fixed-blade knife and injured the officer. The police chief noted that an officer had previously attempted to use a Taser, but it was ineffective. Two officers sustained injuries during the confrontation. Video recorded by bystanders shows the struggle and the subsequent shooting, which prompted demonstrations and a march to the state Capitol.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice's criminal division has launched an independent investigation into the shooting. All four officers involved—three men and one woman—have been placed on administrative leave. While the police department has not officially released the race of the deceased or the officers, the community advocacy group Urban Triage identified the man as Black. Chief Patterson requested that the public withhold judgment until all available footage and evidence are reviewed.