Wisconsin launches homicide probe into police shooting of Corey Ruiz

State officials in Wisconsin have opened a homicide investigation into the killing of Corey Ruiz, 38, by Madison police officers on Wednesday. Police said Ruiz resisted arrest, drew a knife and injured an officer during a struggle with four officers, one of whom later fired a gun. The incident was captured on bystander video that has circulated online and prompted public protests.

Madison Police Chief John Patterson told reporters the department will cooperate fully with the state Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, which will lead the probe and disclose the identity of the officer who fired. He added that none of the officers were wearing body cameras at the time.

Civil-rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Ruiz’s family, described the shooting as “unnecessary, unjustified and unconstitutional” at a news conference. He also noted that video evidence exists of the encounter.

Ruiz’s mother, Elsa Ruiz, expressed grief over her son’s death and called for accountability. Public records show Ruiz had prior misdemeanor and felony convictions, including robbery, strangulation and drug possession, and had been diagnosed with mental-health and substance-abuse issues.

Police were initially dispatched after a report of a person attempting to enter parked vehicles. Ruiz fled on a bicycle, was pursued, and was subsequently pulled from the bike by officers. After the knife was displayed, an officer attempted to subdue him with a taser, which did not incapacitate him.