Milwaukee police have released body camera footage related to a fatal officer involved shooting that followed a vehicle pursuit earlier this month near 98th Street and Lisbon Avenue. The incident occurred on February 3 and resulted in the death of a 38 year old man identified family members as Joshua Wippert.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the sequence of events began shortly before 5 p.m. when officers conducted a traffic stop near Fond du Lac Avenue and Locust Street. Authorities said the driver initially pulled over but then drove away, prompting a pursuit. Police cited reckless driving as the reason for the chase.
During the pursuit, a passenger exited the vehicle before the driver continued toward the city’s northwest side. The chase ended near 98th and Lisbon, where the suspect stopped the car and fled on foot. Officers pursued him through the area.
Police said that during the foot pursuit, officers observed the suspect holding a firearm. Body camera footage released the department shows officers issuing repeated commands instructing the man to drop the weapon. Authorities state that when he did not comply, two officers discharged their firearms, striking him.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the scene.
The Milwaukee Police Department released the body camera footage under its Video Release Policy, which governs the public disclosure of video evidence in officer involved incidents that result in death or serious bodily harm. The policy outlines a presumption of release within 15 days of the incident, while balancing transparency with the integrity of ongoing investigations and privacy considerations.
The two officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative duty, which is standard protocol following officer involved shootings. One officer is a 46 year old with more than 10 years of service, and the other is a 40 year old with over eight years of service.
The investigation is being conducted the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, with the Brookfield Police Department serving as the lead investigative agency. Authorities have not released further details about the events leading up to the initial traffic stop.
The release of the body camera footage comes amid ongoing national discussions in the United States about policing practices, use of force and transparency in officer involved shootings. Local officials have urged residents to allow the investigative process to proceed before concluding.
Further updates are expected once the independent investigation is completed and findings are presented to prosecutors for review.
