Authorities in the US state of Wisconsin have opened a homicide investigation after the shooting death of a man by a police officer. The police chief of Madison, Wisconsin, told reporters Thursday that he would cooperate with state investigators. “We will not hide from any aspect of this investigation,” John Patterson said. Police said Corey
Authorities in the US state of Wisconsin have opened a homicide investigation after the shooting death of a man by a police officer.
The police chief of Madison, Wisconsin, told reporters Thursday that he would cooperate with state investigators. “We will not hide from any aspect of this investigation,” John Patterson said.
Police said Corey Ruiz, 38, was shot Wednesday after he pulled out a knife during a fight with four officers. Bystander images of the incident circulated on social media and sparked protests.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said the shooting will be “rigorously investigated.”
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your past is; you should not lose your life as a result of an encounter with authorities,” he said.
The state Department of Justice’s Criminal Investigation Division will investigate the shooting, as the incident involves police officers. They will also release the name of the officer who fired his weapon, Patterson said.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said at a news conference Friday that Ruiz’s death was “unnecessary, unjustified and unconstitutional” and added “thank God there was video.”
“He may have had mental health issues, that was diagnosed. He may have had substance abuse issues. He may not have been perfect. But he was his son,” Crump said while standing next to Ruiz’s crying mother, Elsa Ruiz.
Elsa said her son loved his family, adding: “I never thought I would have to bury my baby before they buried me.”
His brother, Adán Ruiz, said his death was “disgusting” and “inhumane.”
“My family needs justice for what they did to them,” he said.
None of the officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras at the time.
The incident occurred after police received a call about an individual trying to break into vehicles parked in the neighborhood, he said.
Ruiz reportedly fled the scene on a bicycle before officers located him.
Ruiz fell or was pulled from his bike by four officers, and is accused of pulling out a knife and wounding an officer in the melee.
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