**Shorewood Police Officer Critically Injured in Apparent Ambush Shooting; Community on Edge**

SHOREWOOD, WI — July 3, 2025 — A quiet summer morning in the Village of Shorewood was shattered by a harrowing act of violence that has left the tight-knit community reeling. Just before 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, a Shorewood police officer was shot while responding to what was initially reported as an emergency call near the intersection of North Oakland Avenue and East Capitol Drive. Authorities now believe the officer may have been the victim of a targeted attack, sending waves of shock and concern through local neighborhoods and law enforcement agencies alike.

According to preliminary reports from the Shorewood Police Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the officer—whose name has not yet been officially released—arrived at the scene in response to a 911 call regarding suspicious activity in the area. Within moments of arrival, the officer was met with gunfire. Backup units responded rapidly and found the officer suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel rushed the officer to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, where they remain in critical but stable condition.

“This was not a random act,” said Chief Thomas Bailey during a morning press conference. “All indications suggest that the officer was ambushed in what we now believe to be a premeditated and deliberate act of violence. This is deeply troubling not only for our department but for our entire community.”

Authorities are working around the clock to identify and apprehend the suspect or suspects involved. Surveillance footage from local businesses, dashcam recordings, and forensic evidence are being reviewed in coordination with state and federal partners, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the FBI.

Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods were briefly advised to shelter in place as officers canvassed the area. That advisory has since been lifted, but the area remains heavily patrolled and cordoned off as the investigation continues.

Shorewood Village President Ann McKaig addressed the community Thursday afternoon, urging residents to remain calm and united. “We are heartbroken and outraged by what has occurred. An attack on any public servant, especially one who risks their life for our safety, is an attack on all of us. We will not rest until justice is served.”

The shooting has reignited broader concerns about public safety, the well-being of law enforcement personnel, and the rise in targeted violence against officers nationwide. Just this year, multiple ambush-style attacks on police officers across the country have sparked debate and prompted calls for greater protections, improved mental health resources, and closer community-police engagement.

Local businesses, religious organizations, and residents are already mobilizing to show support for the injured officer and the Shorewood Police Department. A candlelight vigil is being organized at Atwater Park for Friday evening, and community members have started an online fundraiser to assist the officer’s family during this difficult time.

Neighbors describe the injured officer as a dedicated and compassionate professional, well known in the community for going above and beyond his duties. “He wasn’t just a cop—he was someone who really cared,” said resident Linda Carmichael. “He knew people by name. He looked out for our kids. To think someone would do this to him is horrifying.”

The Shorewood Police Department has asked anyone with information, dashcam footage, or surveillance videos from the vicinity of Oakland and Capitol between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. on July 3 to contact them immediately. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

As Shorewood begins the painful process of understanding and recovering from this act of violence, one message is clear: the community stands firmly behind its police force and is determined to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“This officer stood watch over our community,” Chief Bailey said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Now, it’s our turn to stand watch for him.”