Man who shot and injured MPD officer in January 2022 sentenced to 40 years in prison

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 23-year-old man who shot and injured a Milwaukee police officer in January of 2022 will spend four decades in prison.

Jetrin Rodthong was sentenced Thursday to a total of 40 years on five charges stemming from the shooting.

Officer Herbert Davis' mother said he is still struggling physically and mentally after he was shot twice by Rodthong.

On Thursday his mother asked Judge David Feiss for a strong sentence so that Rodthong cannot hurt anyone else.

Crystal Thompson told the court, "He showed up for the defendant, to be a remedy to someone in distress. And in return he was almost killed by the person he offered support."

Thompson said Officer Davis doesn't sleep well and will suffer from lifelong trauma. She added that "he is broken".

Officer Davis did not appear in person, but Thompson read his impact statement. She said, "'I may never be able to return to the police force. The defendant took that from me. A lifelong dream that I pursued and achieved was snatched from me.'"

In January of 2022 officers got a call that Rodthong was slumped over in a car near 21st and St. Paul.

Body camera and dash cam video were played in court Thursday.

Body camera video recorded Davis saying to Rodthong at the time, "Someone called about you, said you weren't getting up. Then when I got here you were just sitting here."

Video showed Rodthong passed out in the driver's seat, refusing medical help, and concealing a gun.

He then tried to run. There was a struggle, and Rodthong shot Davis twice.

Rodthong was shot in each arm, but still stole Davis' squad car. He eventually slammed into another car. Rodthong was arrested a short time later.

In court Thursday, Judge Feiss noted about two dozen officers and MPD brass filled the gallery to support officer Davis.

But Rodthong also had support. Two of his sisters addressed the court.

Linda Rodthong said, "On behalf of the Rodthong family, I wish to apologize to Officer Davis, his family, to the court, and to the citizens of Milwaukee."

Jetrin Rodthong also spoke before he was sentenced, saying, "I take full responsibility for my actions. I didn't mean to do what I did. That's why I'm asking for a second chance."

But Judge Feiss noted the seriousness of the crime and his history, saying, "Didn't you get your fourth chance when someone posted $3,000 cash bail on your second fleeing and bail jumping?"

Judge Feiss sentenced Rodthong to 40 years in prison to protect the public. He said, "It'll be a long time before you're out in this community."

Rodthong will get credit for the 420 days he has already spent in custody. He briefly waved to his family through the glass as he left court, but did not say anything to them.

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