State Highway 175 Shut Down After Deadly Wrong-Way Police Shooting in Milwaukee
A Milwaukee police sergeant shot and killed a motorist driving the wrong way on State Highway 175 Monday night, November 2, after the driver displayed a firearm during the encounter. The incident closed a stretch of the Stadium Freeway and drew oversight from regional investigators.
According to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, the sequence of events began at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Monday. An on-duty sergeant positioned near State Highway 175 and Lloyd Street spotted a truck executing a U-turn. The vehicle then proceeded to travel southbound directly into northbound traffic lanes.
The Traffic Shutdown and Investigation
The sergeant, operating in a marked police cruiser, called for dispatch support and attempted to make contact with the driver. During that encounter, the suspect displayed a firearm. Responding to the threat, the sergeant discharged his duty firearm, striking the driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting closed State Highway 175 north of the Stadium Interchange from Martin to Lisbon, with traffic diverted off at Vliet. The roadway remained closed as of 11:30 p.m.
The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team is investigating the incident, with the West Allis Police Department serving as the lead agency.
Unanswered Questions and Video Release Timeline
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased motorist. Furthermore, specific details regarding the exchange remain under scrutiny, including whether the suspect fired any rounds during the encounter.
Chief Norman addressed reporters regarding available video evidence from the scene. While multiple recording sources are currently under review, the department confirmed that the involved sergeant was not wearing a body-worn camera. Under current policy, patrol officers have body-worn cameras, but sergeants do not.
In accordance with Standard Operating Procedure 575, any relevant video footage gathered from the scene will be publicly released within 15 days of the incident.
Personnel Background and Next Steps
The sergeant involved is a 37-year-old man with more than 15 years of service. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
