Man dead after exchanging gunfire with Racine police following traffic stop (2024)

RACINE, Wis. — A man is dead after a shootout with Racine police officers following a traffic stop early Monday morning, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

According to a news release from the DOJ, Mount Pleasant police were called for a shots fired report. Several hours later, Racine police pulled a driver over.

WATCH: Racine officials provide update on deadly traffic stop

Racine officials give update on deadly traffic stop

The DOJ says the driver got out, ran away on foot, and hid in a wooded area near 6th and Howland. Around 12:30 a.m., officers demanded the person come out and surrender. Police say the person refused. When officers approached, the person allegedly started firing a gun "towards" the officers. The officers returned fire, hitting and killing the person.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

WATCH: Neighbor Kenny Ray Sinsun captured this video of the fatal officer-involved shooting in Racine.

Racine OIS

Officials say the incident was captured on body camera footage, squad cameras, and on a drone. All video is being turned over to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

No officers were injured.

The state DOJ is investigating the incident.

The family of the man killed identified him as 38-year-old Timothy Burgess.

Man dead after exchanging gunfire with Racine police following traffic stop (1)

Submitted

His sister, Latrice Burgess, said he'd gotten out of prison six months ago and was now reconnecting with family. Court records show he did time for felony convictions.

She said her brother had just helped their mother move into an apartment about a block from where he was shot.

"Mama, I'm sorry this happened, that you had to hear rounds of bullets, while you son was out there being shot around the corner," said Burgess.

Burgess said she doesn't know what happened in the park early Sunday morning.

"I was at work. But if I was here, I would've told my brother, don't run. Stand and comply. And we deal with the aftermath later," said Burgess. "We'd rather see you living to become an old man than die."

Burgess said the family wants to view video now held by the state as evidence. She also said she regrets not reconciling sooner with her brother over some family issues.

"Timothy, I'm sorry," Burgess said. "I should've respect your choice. I wish I could hug you over again and tell you that. But it's too late."

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer involved critical incident in Racine, Wis. that occurred on the morning of Monday, May 22, 2023.

In the late evening hours of Sunday, May 21, 2023, Mount Pleasant Police officers received a call for shots fired. A couple of hours later Racine Police officers initiated a traffic stop in the City of Racine, Wis. The driver exited the vehicle, fled on foot and hid in tall grass in the 1800 block of Clayton Avenue in Racine, Wis. At approximately 12:29 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023, officers gave commands for the subject to come out, but the subject refused to follow officer orders. As officers approached the subject, the subject began firing towards officers who then exchanged gunfire and struck the subject. The subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.

The involved officers from the Racine Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department have been placed on administrative assignment, per department policy.

DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.

DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Racine County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.

Please direct media inquiries regarding the officer involved critical incident to Wisconsin DOJ.

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Man dead after exchanging gunfire with Racine police following traffic stop (2024)

FAQs

Is Racine, Wisconsin a high crime area? ›

The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Racine is 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data, Racine is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Wisconsin, Racine has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the best area to live in Racine? ›

What are the best neighborhoods in Racine? Some of the best neighborhoods in or around Racine, Wisconsin are West Racine, School Section - Towerview and Shorecrest. Consider buying or renting a home in one of these popular neighborhoods.

Who is the chief of police in Racine WI? ›

RACINE, Wis. — Racine's new police chief, Alex Ramirez, is hoping to make a difference in the department and city he serves. He's already making history as the first Latino to ever lead the Racine Police Department. Ramirez has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

Why is Racine Wisconsin famous? ›

The city flourished throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, eventually becoming the home to major corporations. Besides the well-known SC Johnson products like Windex and Pledge, other surprising items were invented in Racine, such as malted milk, the blender, the blow dryer, and the portable vacuum cleaner.

What is the last name of the representative for Racine? ›

Representative Bryan Steil (1981 - ) In Congress 2019 - Present | Get alerts.

Who is the DA of Racine County? ›

Tricia Hanson Racine County District Attorney.

Who is the fire chief of the city of Racine? ›

Fire Chief Steve Hansen along with all our Fire Fighters and Paramedics welcome you to the City of Racine Fire Department.

Is Racine a nice town? ›

Racine is a diverse community with a very rich industrial history. It is large enough to enjoy small city amenities but located near larger cities that make a quick getaway easy. The downtown district is quaint with shopping, and the zoo and beach are beautiful.

What is Racine County known for? ›

In addition to its reputation as the nation's “most Danish city” and the “Czech Bethlehem,” Racine has also been home to such locales as English Settlement, Scotch Settlement, Norway, Little Armenia, Polonia, Bronzeville, and the Lakeside Barrio.

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