Officer Who Shot, Killed 18-Year-Old Identified: Police

MT. PLEASANT, WI — Authorities have identified the Mount Pleasant police officer involved in the shooting that left 18-year-old Tyrese West dead on June 15. Sgt. Eric Giese, a 12-year veteran of the Village of Mount Pleasant Police Department, shot West, a release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice says.

Geise tried to make contact with West, of Racine, who tried to run away, the release says.

Authorities say that "less-lethal efforts to address this threat were unsuccessful," including the use of a Taser, before the shooting.

Police said the incident escalated and that Giese was "forced to discharge" his firearm at West. Life-saving measures were rendered, however were not successful, police said.

According to a WISN-TV report, area resident and family friend Verdell Andrews said he went to the shooting scene after hearing news of the shooting come over his police scanner. "That boy is 5-foot-4, 120 pounds. He was pepper-sprayed, tased and shot five times," Andrews said.

See more on Patch:

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The release says a handgun was recovered from the scene.

Giese was placed on administrative leave after the shooting, per policy, the release says.

The investigation is continuing, including help from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.