One day after Waukesha police shot a 44-year-old man who rushed at them with knives, the department has recommended felony charges against the suspect. The man may face a charge of recklessly endangering safety in the first degree, police said. The investigation was scheduled to be completed earlier in the week and referred to the District Attorney's office.
According to police, at approximately 1:48 a.m. Sunday, officers from the Waukesha Police Department and deputies from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, including K-9, responded to the 500 Block of Spring Crest Circle to investigate a possible suicidal subject.
The homeowners said the man refused voluntary mental health assistance earlier in the day and had talked about jumping off a bridge.
The callers, an elderly couple who knew the suspect, were in the residence with the subject when the officers arrived.
The callers told police the subject armed himself with knives and he threatened to "cut throats." The subject himself called the Waukesha Police Department Dispatch Center and said he was holding a male hostage and was armed with two knives.
The female caller was able to exit the residence.
Police said the subject exited the residence armed with two knives and immediately charged at officers and disregarded their commands to drop the knives. Three officers then fired 14 rounds from handguns and long guns as well as one less lethal round, police said.
The man was given medical attention by officers and the Waukesha Fire Department. He was transported to Froedtert Hospital via Flight for Life.
The callers and officers were not injured in the incident. The suspect is now conscious, alert and talking after undergoing surgery for multiple non-life threatening gunshot wounds.
Based on the initial investigation, all involved officers acted within the law, police said in a news release.
The three Waukesha police officers directly involved in the use of force are on paid administrative leave.
The first officer is 27 years old and in his fifth year with the department; the second is also 27 years old and in his first year of service; while the third is 24 years old and in her first year of service.