Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Christian Jerving, 37, was shot and killed on February 7, 2023, while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect near the 2700 block of South 14th Street. Officers had responded to a robbery call about 1:16 a.m.; the suspect fled on foot and was chased. During a struggle after one officer caught up with the suspect, the suspect produced a firearm and shot Officer Jerving as he moved in to assist. Jerving returned fire, and the suspect died at the scene. Jerving was taken to Froedtert Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Terrell Thompson, who had a criminal history that included recent probation for two hit-and-run charges handed down on February 6, 2023, and earlier incidents involving threats and photos of firearms that led to a temporary restraining order. Jerving was a four-year member of the Milwaukee Police Department; his death was the department’s first line-of-duty fatality since 2019. City officials and community leaders called for renewed attention to gun violence and support for law enforcement.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about the events leading up to it, please come forward to assist the ongoing inquiries.