Full Notification

Racine Police Department 730 Center Street  Racine Wisconsin, 53403 PHONE NO. (262) 886-2300 FAX. NO. (262) 635-0190 Date: January 18, 2023 No: 23-03 Subject: Officer Involved Shooting On Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at approximately 2246 hours a call was received at Racine County Dispatch regarding a civil dispute between a man and a woman. The woman had been put out of the house and their 2 children remained inside. Prior to police arrival at approximately 2251 hours, a male, age 26, stepped outside and fired several shots into the air then went back into the house. Arriving officers were advised by the female victim that the subject had access to weapons and had indeed fired into the air. While speaking with the female victim, officers were advised that the subject talked of feeling suicidal earlier in the day. At approximately 2351 hours, while attempting to establish contact at the back door, a 3 year old female appeared and was escorted to safety. At approximately 0051 hours the subject fired multiple shots out of the window with what is believed to be a shotgun at Sgt. Tom DeBaker, Sgt. Joe Burinda, Officer Dan Wasmund and Officer Ben Eiden. Officers returned fire with patrol rifles and a handgun. The subject was not struck by return gunfire. Officer Eiden sustained facial injuries and Sgt. Burinda sustained a shoulder injury. It is believed that the injuries were the result of birdshot pellets. The officers stayed on the scene despite their injuries. At approximately 0105 hours, the subject reappeared at the back of the house unarmed. He engaged the officers in conversation and was convinced to surrender at approximately 0122 hours. The subject was taken into custody and sustained superficial injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment before being transported to the Racine County Jail. Criminal charges are pending for multiple counts of attempted homicide, recklessly endangering safety and domestic violence disorderly conduct. Sgt. Burinda and Officer Eiden were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Their injuries were non-life threatening. Sgt. Burinda has served over 10 years. Sgt. DeBaker has served over 8 years. Officer Wasmund has served for over 3 years and Officer Eiden has served for one year. NEWS RELEASE 2 By procedure, officers will be on a period of administrative leave. The Racine Police Department would also like to thank our federal and local partners who assisted us on this case. Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this incident. 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 by using the p3 app. All media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to my attention at (262) 635-7868. Sgt. Kristi Wilcox Public Information Officer