Officer who Shot and Killed Milwaukee Man Now Faces Sex Assault Charge in Unrelated Case

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee police officer responsible for shooting Sylville Smith in August, sparking weeks of costly uprisings, now faces sexual assault charges in an unrelated case.

On the evening of Oct. 19, members of Milwaukee Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division arrested Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown after criminal charges were filed against him earlier in the day.

On Aug. 13, Sylville K. Smith, 23, ran from police during a traffic stop. Smith was carrying a loaded gun stolen from Waukesha with 23 rounds. He was shot twice by a police officer. The officer who reportedly shot him, Heaggan-Brown, faced a wave of criticism, including death threats, as riots tore apart Milwaukee's north side.

According to police, two days later on Aug. 15, a victim reported to Milwaukee Police he had been sexually assaulted by Heaggan-Brown while off-duty. This investigation, conducted by MPD’s Internal Affairs Division and Sensitive Crimes Division, resulted in the Oct. 19 criminal complaint filed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.

MPD’s investigation revealed additional allegations, resulting in added charges.

In addition to the criminal investigation of Heaggan-Brown, an internal investigation has been initiated, police said Thursday. Heaggan-Brown remains in custody and has been suspended from the Milwaukee Police Department.

Due to the nature and sensitivity of this investigation, details of the allegations against Heaggan-Brown will be limited to those contained within the criminal complaint, according to police officials. Updates on the status of the internal investigation will be released as they become available.

Sgt. Tim Gauerke from the Milwaukee police department will follow up with information on media availability for Chief Flynn later today.

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