Madison man shot dead after knife confrontation with officers, state probes case

The state Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation Division has opened a homicide investigation after a 38-year-old man, Corey Ruiz, was fatally shot by a police officer in Madison following a struggle in which he reportedly produced a knife, Police Chief John Patterson said on Thursday.

Police responded to reports of an individual attempting to enter parked vehicles. Officers later located Ruiz, who fled on a bicycle before officials say he fell or was pulled from the bike and became involved in a struggle with four officers.

Chief Patterson said bystanders’ footage circulated online shows only one perspective. He stated that Ruiz pulled out a knife and injured an officer during the altercation. A taser was deployed without stopping Ruiz, and an injured officer fired three shots. Ruiz was taken to hospital and died there.

None of the officers involved were wearing body cameras at the time, Patterson confirmed. All officers present have been placed on administrative leave pending the state investigation. Patterson said the department will cooperate and that investigators will release the name of the officer who discharged their weapon.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The state Justice Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is handling the case because it involves police officers, officials said. Chief Patterson emphasized cooperation with investigators and noted that available bystander video represents a single viewpoint. Local officials, including Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, called for a rigorous investigation and stressed that an encounter with law enforcement should not be fatal regardless of a person’s past.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Corey Ruiz, 38, was shot and later died in hospital after an encounter with Madison police.
• Officers responded to reports of someone trying to enter parked vehicles; Ruiz fled on a bicycle and a struggle ensued.
• The state Criminal Investigation Division is investigating; involved officers are on administrative leave and none wore body cameras.