Teen Shot By Wauwatosa Police Was Driving Recovered Stolen Car

WAUWATOSA, WI — A 17-year-old boy hospitalized after being shot by two Wauwatosa police officers Tuesday was driving a car that was recovered but listed as stolen, the police chief announced Thursday.

The owner of the car didn't report that he recovered the stolen car before police saw it near N. 92nd Street and W. Congress Street, Wauwatosa Police Chief James MacGillis said at a news conference Thursday.

Police saw the car around 10:50 p.m. and contacted the teen, police said. He was the only person in the car, police said in a statement.

When the 17-year-old got out, he was holding a gun and didn't follow officer's commands to drop it, MacGillis said.

Two police officers shot the teen when he ran towards them, MacGillis said. He wouldn't say how many shots were fired.

No police officers were injured, but a 34-year-old officer and a 30-year-old officer were put on administrative leave, police spokesperson Abby Pavlik said at the news conference.

MacGillis told reporters he saw body camera video of the shooting, but wouldn't comment on what it showed to protect the investigation.

The car was still reported as stolen when officers saw it and looked up the plate, MacGillis said. "The owner of the vehicle had not reported that he recovered his own vehicle," he added.

"This is not something our officers do lightly. We have a serious problem with crime in the greater Milwaukee community with stolen cars and too many guns on the street," Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride said at the conference.

The teen was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive, police said. Investigators found a gun on the scene.

The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating the shooting. Anyone with more information about the shooting should call the Milwaukee Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau at 414-935-7360