RACINE, Wis. — Wednesday morning, at 9:47 a.m., a person contacted the Racine County Communication Center from Cliffside Park, in the Village of Caledonia. That person reported a male suspect was lying face down on a path and not moving. The suspect was wearing all black clothing. 

The caller said they did not feel safe getting closer to the suspect.

A sheriff’s deputy and two Caledonia police officers were sent to the scene. When they arrived, they said the suspect had “discharged a firearm.” The law enforcement officers took cover.

The Racine County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) said a tactical response was initiated that included multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders, including RCSO, Caledonia Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and Caledonia Fire Department.

RCSO said officers tried numerous times to negotiate with the suspect. However, the suspect “took actions that forced law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions to discharge their firearms, striking the subject.” RCSO called the incident a "tactical standoff."

The suspect was pronounced dead at Cliffside Park, despite life-saving measures that first responders used on him.

The suspect was later identified as a 37-year-old white man. RCSO said he had connections to both the City of Racine and the Village of Mount Pleasant.

RCSO had previously issued an emergency alert Wednesday, advising people to avoid the area around Cliffside Park. Residents on Michna Road between 6 Mile and 7 Mile Roads were told to take shelter on the lowest levels of their homes.

RCSO said as of Wednesday evening, there was no further danger to the public related to the incident.

RCSO said the officers “involved in the use of deadly force” have been placed on administrative leave. This, RCSO said, is standard protocol.

Outside agencies have been asked to conduct an investigation, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice — Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The DCI said it is reviewing evidence and plans to turn over investigative reports to the Racine County District Attorney.

DCI said all law enforcement officials involved are cooperating with its investigation. 

RCSO said it would not release additional details at this time and said it had no plans to hold a press conference.