A Madison police officer shot and killed Corey Ruiz after he allegedly injured an officer with a knife during a struggle on Wednesday in the Marquette neighborhood. The incident prompted protests and a vigil overnight, with the victim's family retaining attorney Ben Crump.
Officers responded to reports of bicycle thefts and vehicle break-ins. Ruiz fled on a bicycle before officers confronted him at an intersection, where a struggle began. During the encounter, Ruiz produced a fixed-blade knife and injured one officer.
An officer deployed a Taser without success before the injured officer fired his weapon three times. Ruiz was provided lifesaving measures at the scene and pronounced dead at a hospital. Four officers were involved, with the shooter described as a veteran officer. All have been placed on administrative leave.
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation is handling the probe. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said officials will seek answers, while Governor Tony Evers called for transparency and accountability. The shooting took place on the same street where Tony Robinson was killed by police in 2015.
Protests formed near the scene with chants of "Arrest the cops," and a vigil was held. Ruiz's family has retained attorney Ben Crump.