Kenosha Police Officer Shot; Authorities Searching For Suspect

KENOSHA, WI — Authorities are still searching for a suspect who they say shot a Kenosha police officer who was investigating a report of a car break-in.

According to a statement by Kenosha police, a department officer responded to the break-in near 4600 block of Sheridan Road. After locating a suspect who matched the description given to police, the officer was shot by the suspect as he attempted to investigate the situation.

The officer returned fire, police said, though it's unclear whether the suspect was injured. Once shots were fired, the suspect fled the scene.

The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation did not immediately respond to a request from Patch for a description of the suspect.

The injured officer — identified as a 30-year-old male who has worked for the Kenosha Police Department for two years — was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening, according to police.

Following the shooting, Wisconsin Sen. Van Wanggaard released a statement saying he stood with law enforcement and "the anti-law enforcement rhetoric of the last two-plus months made this morning’s events all too predictable."

"In no civilized society should this behavior ever be considered acceptable. I call on the community to rally around the officer shot and the entire Kenosha Police Department," Vanggaard said. "I hope the community helps identify the shooter and refuses to help him, to avoid further violence across our state."

The investigation has been turned over to the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin State Patrol.