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Man dead after exchanging gunfire with Racine police following traffic stop

The family of the man killed identified him as 38-year-old Timothy Burgess.
6th and Howland
Posted at 6:18 AM, May 22, 2023
and last updated 2023-05-23 20:03:38-04

RACINE, Wis. — A man is dead after a shootout with Racine police officers following a traffic stop early Monday morning, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

According to a news release from the DOJ, Mount Pleasant police were called for a shots fired report. Several hours later, Racine police pulled a driver over.

WATCH: Racine officials provide update on deadly traffic stop

Racine officials give update on deadly traffic stop

The DOJ says the driver got out, ran away on foot, and hid in a wooded area near 6th and Howland. Around 12:30 a.m., officers demanded the person come out and surrender. Police say the person refused. When officers approached, the person allegedly started firing a gun "towards" the officers. The officers returned fire, hitting and killing the person.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

WATCH: Neighbor Kenny Ray Sinsun captured this video of the fatal officer-involved shooting in Racine.

Racine OIS

Officials say the incident was captured on body camera footage, squad cameras, and on a drone. All video is being turned over to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

No officers were injured.

The state DOJ is investigating the incident.

The family of the man killed identified him as 38-year-old Timothy Burgess.

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38-year-old Timothy Burgess

His sister, Latrice Burgess, said he'd gotten out of prison six months ago and was now reconnecting with family. Court records show he did time for felony convictions.

She said her brother had just helped their mother move into an apartment about a block from where he was shot.

"Mama, I'm sorry this happened, that you had to hear rounds of bullets, while you son was out there being shot around the corner," said Burgess.

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38-year-old Timothy Burgess

Burgess said she doesn't know what happened in the park early Sunday morning.

"I was at work. But if I was here, I would've told my brother, don't run. Stand and comply. And we deal with the aftermath later," said Burgess. "We'd rather see you living to become an old man than die."

Burgess said the family wants to view video now held by the state as evidence. She also said she regrets not reconciling sooner with her brother over some family issues.

"Timothy, I'm sorry," Burgess said. "I should've respect your choice. I wish I could hug you over again and tell you that. But it's too late."

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer involved critical incident in Racine, Wis. that occurred on the morning of Monday, May 22, 2023.

In the late evening hours of Sunday, May 21, 2023, Mount Pleasant Police officers received a call for shots fired. A couple of hours later Racine Police officers initiated a traffic stop in the City of Racine, Wis. The driver exited the vehicle, fled on foot and hid in tall grass in the 1800 block of Clayton Avenue in Racine, Wis. At approximately 12:29 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023, officers gave commands for the subject to come out, but the subject refused to follow officer orders. As officers approached the subject, the subject began firing towards officers who then exchanged gunfire and struck the subject. The subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.

The involved officers from the Racine Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department have been placed on administrative assignment, per department policy.

DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.

DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Racine County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.

Please direct media inquiries regarding the officer involved critical incident to Wisconsin DOJ.



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