GLENDALE, WI — A dangerous police pursuit unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday near the Port Washington Road and Hampton Avenue area in Glendale, Wisconsin, when a shooting suspect opened fire on officers during a high-speed chase. The escalating incident stretched across municipal lines, culminating in additional shots fired near 4th Street and Reservoir Avenue, prompting a large-scale response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Timeline of Events
According to early reports from the Glendale Police Department (GPD), the pursuit began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle connected to an earlier shooting investigation. As officers initiated a traffic stop near Port Washington Rd. and Hampton Ave, the suspect refused to pull over, instead speeding off — triggering a pursuit through the north side of Milwaukee.
While fleeing, the suspect reportedly fired multiple shots at pursuing officers out of the vehicle’s window, escalating the situation from a standard traffic stop into a life-threatening armed confrontation. No officers were reported injured during the gunfire, but police radio traffic confirmed that shots were returned, and additional units were requested for backup.
The pursuit continued into the city of Milwaukee, with gunfire erupting again near the intersection of 4th Street and Reservoir Avenue, a densely populated area near residential homes. Residents were urged to stay indoors as sirens wailed through the neighborhood and officers set up a wide perimeter in search of the gunman.
Area Locked Down as Police Search for Suspect
As of late Wednesday morning, officers from Glendale PD, Milwaukee Police Department, and other regional agencies remain at the scene, canvassing the area, searching buildings, and using K-9 units and drones in an attempt to locate the armed suspect, who is believed to have fled on foot after ditching the vehicle.
Authorities have not yet released a physical description of the shooter, but multiple witnesses described seeing a man jumping out of a moving vehicle before fleeing between houses near Reservoir.
SWAT teams and tactical officers were seen moving in formation as law enforcement expanded the search zone to include alleys, vacant lots, and garages. Several schools and daycare centers in the vicinity were placed on temporary lockdown out of an abundance of caution.
Community on Edge
Residents of the area say they were awakened by sirens, screeching tires, and gunshots around 2:00 a.m. One witness near the 4th and Reservoir scene said they heard at least five loud gunshots in rapid succession, followed by shouting and the sound of running feet.
“It was like something out of a movie,” said one local homeowner. “I looked outside and saw officers taking cover behind their squad cars. That’s when I hit the floor and stayed there.”
Others say they were terrified to send their children outside this morning. “We’ve had crime in the area before,” one woman noted, “but gunfire in the middle of the night? Firing at police? That’s next-level frightening.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, especially in the area surrounding 4th Street, Reservoir Avenue, and the broader north side corridor.
“We are treating this individual as armed and extremely dangerous,” said a Glendale Police spokesperson in a brief statement. “We will continue our efforts until this person is in custody and no longer a threat to the public or our officers.”
Anyone with surveillance footage from the area between 1:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. is asked to contact Glendale PD at (414) 228-1753 or provide anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS (8477).
No Officers Injured, Public Asked to Remain Indoors
Despite being fired upon, no Glendale officers were reported injured during the incident. Police are continuing to gather evidence from the scene, including shell casings, ballistic damage to squad vehicles, and the suspect’s abandoned car.
Investigators believe the suspect may be tied to other recent shootings in Milwaukee County, and federal authorities are reportedly being briefed.
This is a developing story.
Stay tuned for updates as law enforcement releases further information about the suspect and any arrests made in connection to this dangerous and ongoing investigation. If you live near 4th & Reservoir or Port/Hampton in Glendale, remain cautious and alert.
Do not approach any suspicious individuals and call 911 immediately.