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Woman may have bought gun for felon who shot cop

Posted at 10:30 PM, May 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-11 00:52:37-04

MILWAUKEE- Court records reveals new information about a robber who shot at police last week and details how the felon obtained the gun. 

According to a search warrant, a woman, possibly accompanied by convicted felon Burt Johnson, legally purchased the weapon from the  Gander Mountain store in Germantown last month, which may have been captured on surveillance video.

Johnson was shot and killed by officers on Thursday after police say he robbed an auto parts store near 76th Street and Mill Road. Investigators say Johnson shot an officer during a foot chase following the robbery. 

Alderwoman Chantia Lewis serves the 9th District in Milwaukee where the robbery and shooting happened, and was dismayed to learn how Johnson may have obtained the weapon.

"If you know that a person cannot purchase a gun don't purchase one for them," Lewis said. 

According to the search warrant, Johnson didn't act alone Thursday night. Documents show two armed suspects ran from police after robbing the O'Reilly Auto Parts.  

Police have arrested Johnson's suspected accomplice, a 20-year-old man.

"That's a testament to our MPD. They are doing a great job in this district and other districts," Lewis said.

Lewis says everyone needs to do their part to help stop the violence.

"As long as we are working together and we see that there's a bigger picture in mind, which is making sure our community can be said and that we can have some peace this summer, then there's work still yet to be done," Lewis said.

The woman believed to have bought the gun for Johnson hasn't been charged.

The officer struck by the bullet was released from the hospital shortly after the incident.  He was wearing a ballistic vest.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office in the coming days.