Suspect Fatally Shot in Gunfire Exchange During Armed Robbery on Milwaukee’s West Townsend Street
MILWAUKEE, WI — July 4, 2025
A tense and deadly situation unfolded just after 11 a.m. Friday in Milwaukee’s north side when a suspect involved in an armed robbery was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire in the 2600 block of West Townsend Street. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community as residents watched a routine morning descend into violence and chaos.
According to initial reports from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in progress at a small corner store located near North 27th and West Townsend. As responding units arrived at the scene, they were confronted with a volatile and active crime. A male suspect, armed with a firearm, allegedly attempted to flee the location after holding store employees and a customer at gunpoint.
Witnesses said the suspect, described as a man in his 20s, exited the store as patrol officers approached. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspect and law enforcement. The suspect was struck during the shootout and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of first responders to administer emergency medical care.
A law enforcement officer involved in the incident reportedly sustained minor injuries but is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased suspect, pending family notification.
MPD officials confirmed that no civilians were physically injured during the robbery or subsequent shooting, though several bystanders were visibly shaken by the rapid escalation of violence.
One witness, a longtime resident of the area, recounted the terrifying moment shots rang out. “I was walking my dog just down the block when I heard shouting and then gunshots. I hit the ground and stayed down until the police started yelling for people to stay back. It was like a warzone,” said the resident, who declined to be named.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman spoke briefly at the scene during a media briefing and commended the officers’ quick and decisive response. “Our officers acted with courage under extreme pressure. This situation could have resulted in more lives lost, but thanks to their training and professionalism, the threat was quickly contained,” Chief Norman said.
The area surrounding West Townsend Street was sealed off for several hours as forensic investigators processed the scene, collected shell casings, reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and interviewed witnesses. A heavy police presence remained throughout the afternoon as authorities worked to piece together the exact sequence of events.
This incident comes amid an ongoing effort by Milwaukee officials to address rising violent crime across the city. Just last month, city leaders launched an initiative aimed at increasing community policing and targeting repeat offenders with outstanding warrants and illegal firearms.
While details remain under investigation, police confirmed that the suspect’s weapon was recovered at the scene. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has been notified and is expected to conduct an independent review of the police-involved shooting, in accordance with department policy and state law.
The officer involved will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation—a standard protocol in all officer-involved shootings.
Community leaders have since called for calm and understanding as the city processes another act of violence. Pastor Michelle Davis of the New Light Baptist Church, located just a few blocks from the scene, issued a statement urging the community to come together in support of peace. “We grieve for any life lost, but we also stand with our first responders who protect us daily. Let’s use this moment to reflect, to pray, and to commit to making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
Residents in the 2600 block of West Townsend have expressed growing concerns about the rise in armed robberies and the apparent boldness of criminals operating during daylight hours. Friday’s incident, though tragic, has reignited calls for stronger collaboration between the community and law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, Milwaukee police are urging anyone with information related to the robbery or the suspect’s prior activities to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.
The tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of policing—and the ongoing challenges cities like Milwaukee face in the fight against gun violence