Milwaukee police officer fatally shoots tow truck driver while clinging to vehicle during pursuit

Ana Rios

According to Chief Jeffrey Norman, officers attempted to stop the suspect, a 35-year-old man wanted for a parole violation, near 12th and Burnham. He was identified by family members as Jonathan Otto.

The officer approached Otto and ordered him to exit the truck, according to MPD, but he refused, driving off at a high rate of speed. 

“The driver immediately started the vehicle and suddenly drove off at a high rate of speed while the officer was clinging to the suspect on the driver side window,” said Chief Norman. 

Dash cam video captured by a witness shows the chase, including the officer clinging onto the driver's side window. 

“The tow truck was going every fast. And the squad car was putting lights on and slowing down just in case anyone passed the stop and he went after it,” said witness Ana Rios. 

The officer clung to the truck for several blocks, according to Chief Norman, giving several commands to stop the vehicle and informing the suspect he would be shot if he did not stop. 

Chief Norman said Otto refused commands, and the officer fired his gun, fatally shooting Otto.

Jonathan Otto Family

Police say a passenger in the tow truck was not injured but taken to an area hospital as a precaution. 

"This was a totally avoidable incident," Chief Norman said. "At the end of the day, this could've been prevented. There is a time and place, when you have a disagreement with law enforcement, to be able to have your day in court. But court is not on these streets."

The officer involved is a 46-year-old man with over 21 years of service. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries and has been placed on administrative leave as is routine in police shootings. 

The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team is investigating the incident. The West Allis Police Department is the lead investigating agency. 

CBS 58