The man who was shot by officers on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus in March was charged Thursday.
Irie Payne, 30, was found sleeping in the basement of the Fine Arts Theater building at UWM March 19, according to the criminal complaint.
Once located, an officer took notice of the items inside Payne's backpack including a sheathed machete, hatchet, pack of zip ties, paintball-style mask and a box of ammunition.
At that point the officer asked Payne if he had a weapon on him and to take his hand out of his pockets. Payne then attempted to flee from the officers when one was able to grab him in a bear hug.
The officer said once he had hold of Payne he noticed that he seemed to be reaching into his pocket to retrieve something that he believed was a firearm. The other officer on the scene saw the firearm and watched Payne point the muzzle of the gun up toward his own head, as well as the other officer's. That's when the officer discharged his firearm, striking Payne.
Payne fell to the ground and officers knocked the firearm away from him. After further altercation, the officers utilized a stun gun on Payne and took him into custody.
Medical personal were summoned to treat both Payne and the officers. One officer was diagnosed with a concussion from the struggle with Payne.
The handgun Payne had was a Smith & Wesson M&P Semi-Automatic Pistol that was reported stolen out of Wauwatosa in November of 2018.
UWM Police reported having contact with Payne for the same circumstances in 2018.
Payne was charged with Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Resisting an Offficer Causing Substantial Bodily Harm to an Officer, Bail Jumping and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. He will appear in court Friday.
UWM Chancellor Mark Mone sent a campus-wide email with information on counseling resources, as well as a statement saying,
"The shooting incident was an extraordinary situation and an anomaly at UWM. We are fortunate to have an environment where people's safety is paramount."
Payne is barred from the UWM campus and residence halls if he is released from jail.
