MILWAUKEE -- After a tragic night in Milwaukee, police chief Ed Flynn is relieved an officer wasn't killed after a convicted felon, Burt Johnson, opened fire at police officers.
“It's a miracle our officer is alive," Flynn said.
Police officers said they know the drill. In Milwaukee, officers encounter suspects with serious criminal records and many are carrying guns, willing to shoot at the police.
"The vest is bullet resistant. Not bullet proof. There is no such thing as bullet proof," Sgt. Todd Lewan said.
The department said that all Milwaukee police officers are required to wear vest to all calls.
All are thankful a vest potentially saved the life of a 38-year-old officer with 14-years experience.
“He did suffer injuries. However they're not life threatening," Flynn said.
Police said Johnson, a convicted felon, had just robbed a Milwaukee auto parts store at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday, near 76th Street and Mill Road.
During a news conference on Thursday night, Flynn said an officer saw Johnson wearing a mask, trying to run away after exiting the side door of the store. Officers followed Johnson on foot and the suspect shot at them, hitting one officer.
The foot-chase continued and ended in an alley where again Johnson fired several rounds. Two officers returned fire, shooting and killing Johnson.
“I opened up my door and I'd seen all these police running through the yard and then I heard them, the police say, stand down, stand down. And then that's when I heard all these rounds of gun shots,” witness Christine Willis said.
Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, who lives on the block, said this situation is disheartening.
“As you can see we're in a saturated neighborhood where a lot of families reside and so to have this gunfire, this exchange, is very sad," she said.
Lewis said the community needs to be more vigilant.
