2 Officers Shot During Standoff In Racine: Police

RACINE, WI — Two Racine officers suffered injuries overnight during an exchange of gunfire with a man who refused to cooperate with police in the wake of a domestic dispute, according to authorities.

Police responded shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday to a house, where a woman had been thrown out by a man who had discussed feeling suicidal earlier in the day, had fired several shots into the air outside the home, and was inside with two children, authorities said.

Around midnight, while police were attempting to establish contact, a 3-year-old girl appeared at the back door and was escorted to safety, according to authorities. An hour after that, the man fired multiple shots out a window at four officers, who returned fire, according to police. The man was not hit, police said, but Officer Ben Eiden suffered facial injuries and Sgt. Joe Burinda hurt his shoulder after they were struck by what was believed to be birdshot pellets.

The officers remained at the scene, despite their injuries, and shortly after 1 a.m., the man went to the back of the house, unarmed, spoke to police, and was convinced to surrender about 15 minutes later, according to authorities.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody and suffered superficial injuries, police said, noting he was brought to a hospital before being taken to Racine County Jail. Charges are pending for attempted homicide, reckless endangerment and domestic violence, according to police.

Eiden and Burinda were transported to a hospital for treatment of their injuries, which were not life-threatening, according to police. Both will be on a period of administrative leave in compliance with procedure, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 262-635-7756, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 262-636-9330 or the P3 Tips app.