DEVELOPING: This article has been updated with more detailed information following the media briefing from the Racine Police Department and other officials involved with the case.

RACINE — A man who allegedly fired first at police at Clayton Park died after officers returned fire in the City of Racine early Monday morning around the 200 Block of Howland Ave.

The incident is currently under investigation led by the state Department of Justice (DOJ).

Clayton Park

A Racine police officer gives information to members of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation as they look for evidence at the scene of the fatal shooting of a person shot and killed by Racine police in Clayton Park early Monday, May 22, 2023. / Mark Hertzberg – Special to Racine County Eye

Racine Police Department Assistant Chief Alexander Ramirez gave an update on Monday afternoon during a media briefing that also included Mayor Cory Mason and Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Chief Matt Soens. Mason and Soens did not provide any comment.

Ramirez disclosed that around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Mount Pleasant Police were sent to an address for a Domestic incident where shots were fired in the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s jurisdiction.

According to a press release from the DOJ, along with confirmation from the Racine Police Department, the Mount Pleasant police did not apprehend anyone. The male subject left the scene prior to the Mount Pleasant police officers’ arrival and drove into the City of Racine, according to Ramirez.

About two hours later, Racine police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at the 200 block of Howland Avenue. Upon stopping, according to Ramirez, the male fled his vehicle on foot and headed into a wooded area.

After the subject was located by officers, he was given multiple commands to surrender and exit the wooded area. The subject failed to comply.

“As officers approached the subject, the subject shot at officers. Officers exchanged gunfire with the subject. As a result, the subject was fatally wounded,” said Assistant Chief Ramirez at Monday’s media briefing.

Following the shootout at Clayton Park, responding officers secured the scene, area and evidence.

Present when shots were fired were: the Village of Sturtevant Police Department along with their K9 officer, who was utilized during the incident, the Village of Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the City of Racine Police Department. No officers were injured.

Shortly after the incident occurred, the Racine County Sheriff’s Department arrived to assist.

Body-worn cameras, a drone camera, and squad car cameras captured the critical incident. Video evidence has been given to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

Members of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation look for evidence at the scene of the fatal shooting of a person shot and killed by Racine police early Monday May 22, 2023. The person reportedly shot at police after hiding in tall grass in Clayton Park in the 1800 block of Clayton Avenue. Racine police had attempted a traffic stop following a Mount Pleasant report of shots fired, and the driver fled into the tall grass, according to information from the state Department of Justice which is handling the investigation. / Mark Hertzberg – Special to Racine County Eye

The DOJ’s Department of Criminal Investigation is leading this investigation with the assistance of the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, and a DCI Crime Response specialist.

Per department policy, Ramirez noted that officers are on administrative leave. Those involved are cooperating with the investigation.

A video of the briefing is available on Racine County Eye’s Facebook page.

Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 262-636-9330 or through the Crime Stoppers app or website.

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