Waukesha Officer Honored For Risking Life In Shooting Incident

WAUKESHA, WI — Authorities in Waukesha say a police officer has been honored for his bravery when he was confronted by a man with a knife during the early-morning hours of Feb. 10.

During that incident, police say officer Brad Condon had to shoot a man armed with a knife on that morning — risking his life as he tried to prevent the man from causing harm before the fateful shots were fired.

"Based on the preliminary information gathered at this point, I believe that the officer risked his life to fulfill the mission statement of the Waukesha Police Department; 'A Pledge to Serve with Integrity, Honor, and Courage,' Waukesha Police Chief Russell Jack said in a statement shorty after the incident happened.

This week, Condon was honored with the 2019 Optimist Officer of the Year award. Police officials cited Condon's bravery, courage and professional conduct during an intense life-or-death moment.

Shooting Happens During Forgery Investigation

According to information released by the Waukesha Police Department, at just after 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 10, officers were investigating a case in the area of School Drive and Prairie Ave., and were looking for a suspect involved in a forgery case.

Police said the suspect, later identified by family as 55-year-old Ted Schmitz, had been talking with an officer on the phone. Police said the officer was trying to get him to turn himself in to police. Police said he refused to respond to the Police Department. While officers went to the area near School Drive, in an attempt to find him, a person with knowledge of the man's whereabouts said that he was threatening self-harm.

Police said Condon found Schmitz walking on School Drive near South Prairie Ave. a short time later. Waukesha Police said Schmitz immediately pulled a knife and threatened him.

At the time, police say Condon attempted to defuse the situation by backing away while trying to dissuade Schmitz from any further actions. Police say Schmitz ignored all of Condon's commands and kept coming at him.

Police said Schmitz charged at Condon with the knife. Fearing he was going to stab him, Chief Jack said Condon was forced to shoot him in order to stop the threat. Schmitz was struck four times in the area of the chest, police said.

Two back-up officers arrived, and the three officers then stabilized him and rendered first aid, which included CPR and an automated external defibrillator, police said.

Police said Schmitz was transported by the Waukesha Fire Department to Waukesha Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.