Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Sergeant attempts to prevent officer's suicide

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee police sergeant tried to prevent the suicide of an off-duty officer by shooting him in the leg.

The attempt to save the 29-year-old officer was unsuccessful, officials said.

Police said the sergeant and another officer went to the off-duty officer's home late Thursday after receiving a report that he may be suicidal.

The off-duty officer eventually put a gun to his head, causing the sergeant to shoot him in the leg. But as the off-duty officer fell to the ground, he took his own life. He was pronounced dead at his home.

The sergeant is on administrative leave. The shooting is being reviewed by the Milwaukee County district attorney's office.

All stories copyright 2000 - 2006 La Crosse Tribune and other attributed sources.