An off-duty Milwaukee police officer was “pistol-whipped and shot at” by another motorist, Elijah Wilks, after a minor traffic incident on his way to work Thursday, prompting him to shoot and kill the suspect.
That’s according to Milwaukee Police Association President Alexander Ayala.
“I just came from the hospital after visiting our injured officer, and I can tell you we are incredibly lucky he’s alive,” Ayala wrote. “He was simply driving to work this morning when he was attacked by an armed individual after a minor traffic incident between the two. He was pistol-whipped and shot at, and had injuries to his face from where the suspect hit him with a firearm. Our officer did exactly what any well-trained officer would do – he fought to survive.”
Added Ayala: “What happened here could have ended much differently. His courage and quick response not only saved his own life, but likely prevented more violence in this neighborhood.” The officer has not been identified.
We’re told by sources that the officer’s personal dashcam camera recorded the entire shooting, which was described by multiple sources as a “textbook” use of force. The officer was on his way to the police academy, where he is a firearms training instructor.
“This is what our officers face every day – even when they’re off-duty, even when they’re just trying to get to work,” added Ayala. “We stand with him, we thank God he’s still with us, and we’re grateful to the community for standing with the men and women who protect Milwaukee.”
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman confirmed that the off-duty officer was struck by Wilks.
“Both drivers pulled over and exited their vehicles as they were assessing the accident. The driver of the other vehicle approached the off-duty officer and pulled a firearm,” Norman said in a news conference. “That subject proceeded to strike the off-duty officer in the face with his firearm. The off-duty officer drew his department-issued firearm, and the two individuals exchanged gunfire, and the subject was struck.”
Norman added that the officer is “getting checked” at the hospital.
A graphic video showing Wilks’ body was widely shared on social media. But Norman said there is also a “very clear video” that shows the shooting.
Wilks’ stepfather, Cardell Bonslater, told WISN-TV: “I want to know why did you kill him? Why did you shoot him that many times, what is the reason.”
