Wisconsin authorities have launched a homicide investigation into the fatal police shooting of a 38-year-old man.
Madison Police Chief John Patterson announced on Thursday that the department will fully cooperate with the state investigation. ‘We will not hide from any aspect of this investigation,’ Patterson said.
Police reported that Corey Ruiz, 38, was shot on Wednesday after he brandished a knife during a confrontation with four officers. Bystander video of the encounter has spread on social media, prompting protests.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway vowed that the shooting will be rigorously investigated.
‘It does not matter who you are or what your past is; no one should lose their life in an encounter with law enforcement,’ she said.
The Wisconsin Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation Division will conduct the investigation, and will disclose the name of the officer who discharged their weapon, Chief Patterson said.
None of the officers involved were equipped with body-camera equipment at the time.
The incident occurred after police responded to a report of a person attempting to break into parked cars in the neighborhood, Patterson said.
Ruiz allegedly fled the scene on a bicycle before officers located him.
He was subsequently brought to the ground by four officers and is accused of drawing a knife and injuring one officer during the altercation.