Armed suspect killed by undercover investigator in Racine Co. after he 'executed' man at gas station

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RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two men are dead and a Racine County sheriff's investigator is in the hospital following a gas station shooting spree Tuesday, July 13. 

The Racine County Sheriff's Office says around 7:30 a.m., they responded to a shots fired call from the Pilot Travel Center in Caledonia. An initial investigation shows a 32-year-old white man from Hartland approached a 22-year-old white man from Elkhorn who was putting gas in his car and "viciously executed" him. 

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling called it a tragedy and asked the community to pray for the lives lost. 

"I personally watched this video, ladies and gentlemen, of this horrific event. I found it to be extremely disturbing and heart-wrenching to view," Sheriff' Schmaling said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and the suffering you're experiencing."

After executing the man pumping gas, officials say the 32-year-old suspect then shot at another citizen as they were driving through the parking lot. That person was not injured. 

According to the sheriff's office, the suspect then left the scene in a vehicle eastbound on Highway K. Caledonia officers were in the area and witnessed the suspect pull into the Franksville Mobil.

Unbeknownst to the suspect, there happened to be an undercover investigator, with 21 years of experience with Racine County Sheriff's Office, pumping gas into his unmarked squad car and beginning his shift. 

Officials said the suspect approached the investigator with a gun drawn and began to shoot at him at close range. The investigator and suspect exchanged gunfire. The suspect was struck multiple times and died as a result of his injuries. 


The investigator was also struck. He was transported to Ascension Hospital in Racine and is in stable condition. 

"This incident was kept from being even more tragic by the heroic actions of the officer," Sheriff Schmaling said. 

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is now leading the investigation. 

"It's a senseless act, an innocent bystander was killed, our hearts go out to that," said Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.

He said the shootings Tuesday appeared to be random.

"For that individual to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, is heartbreaking," said Delagrave.

Pilot Company sent CBS 58 the following statement: 

"The safety and well-being of our Team Members and Guests is always our main concern.

As this is an open investigation, we are cooperating fully with local authorities who are investigating the incident at our Pilot Travel Center located at 13712 Northwestern Ave. in Franksville, Wisconsin.

Any further inquiries should be directed to the proper authorities."

Police have not yet released the names of the suspect or the man he killed.

They have also not yet released any motive for the shootings.

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