Milwaukee man charged in shooting at MPD District 5 reaches plea deal

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee man charged after allegedly opening fire at Milwaukee Police District 5 reached a plea deal during a hearing Monday, April 17.

Darreon Lashawn Parker-Bell was charged with eight counts first-degree recklessly endangering safety after police say he fired shots inside District 5 in February of 2022 in retaliation for the in-custody death of Keishon Thomas days prior.

According to a criminal complaint, Parker-Bell became angry when he could not receive any information about Thomas' death and fled the station on foot after the shooting. 

MPD officers shot him after he allegedly brandished a firearm toward them and refused to follow commands to drop the weapon. 

In September, Parker-Bell entered a special plea of not guilty by mental disease or defect. He pleaded guilty to four counts Monday; four additional charges were dismissed. 

Court records show the court found Parker-Bell "lacked substantial ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions" and he was found not guilty by mental disease or defect.

He will be committed to the Department of Health and Family Services.