Waukesha police to seek charges against man in standoff
Waukesha police are recommending felony charges for a 44-year-old Waukesha man whom officers shot early Sunday for allegedly rushing at them with knives, police said Monday.
The man, who is now conscious and talking after surgery for multiple gunshot wounds, may face a charge of recklessly endangering safety in the first degree, police said. The investigation will be completed early this week and referred to the District Attorney's office.
According to police, the man threatened an elderly couple at a home on the 500 Block of Spring Crest Circle. The couple called police about 1:45 a.m. Sunday and said he had refused mental health assistance earlier and said he would jump off a bridge. The man himself then called police saying he was armed with knives and holding a man hostage.
While police were outside the residence, police say, he came out and ran at them with the knives. Three officers fired 14 rounds of gunfire and one less lethal round at him. The officers - a 27-year-old in his fifth year of service, a 27-year-old in his first year of service, and a 24-year-old in her first year of service - are now on paid administrative leave.
An initial investigation concluded that officers shot in self-defense and acted within the law, police said in a news release.
After the man was shot, police and fire gave him medical attention and he was transported to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa via Flight for Life.