Walgreens Shooter Waited For Ex-Girlfriend Behind Pillar: Police

MILWAUKEE, WI — Police in Milwaukee say the man who shot and killed a woman near the 27th Street Walgreens urged an officer to shoot him after he fired several shots at his ex-girlfriend, killing her.

Authorities say Willie Jones, 51, of Milwaukee, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide. If convicted, Jones faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jones is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond, jail records show.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Jones went to the 27th Street Walgreens on the afternoon of May 5. He was carrying his gun with him.

Authorities say Jones stood and waited behind a pillar in the front of the pharmacy as his ex-girlfriend arrived. Investigators said the ex-girlfriend was in the passenger seat of a car when she arrived at the Walgreens. The ex-girlfriend worked there as a pharmacy technician, police said.

According to the criminal complaint, as the ex-girlfriend got out of the car and started walking to the store, Jones stepped out from behind the pillar and fired about five or six gunshots at her. She fell to the ground in the parking lot, police said.

Authorities say police arrived within minutes. An officer saw Jones standing over the body of his ex-girlfriend, still carrying the gun that he used to shoot her, police said.

According to police, the officer backed off and took cover behind his squad car when he noticed Jones had a gun. The officer reported Jones saying, "you're going to have to shoot me." More police arrived, authorities said.

Police say Jones pointed his gun at the officer and fired his gun. The officer fired back, striking him, and knocking Jones to the ground. Jones' gun flew out of his hand, and fell behind him, according to the criminal complaint.

Police say the officer ran up to Jones to place him under arrest. At the same time, authorities say first responders rushed up to the body of the woman to render emergency aid, but it was too late.

According to the Milwaukee Fire Department personnel, the woman died before they could reach her. An autopsy performed by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office determined that the woman suffered four gunshot wounds.