On a late summer evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the life of Wendolyn Odell Tanner, a 29-year-old African American male, was tragically cut short. On Saturday, September 7, 1996, Tanner, a dedicated officer with the Milwaukee Police Department for four years, was on duty with his partner. They spotted a known felon and parole violator who was wanted on a warrant in the vicinity of North 20th Street and West Hampton Avenue.
As Officer Tanner and his partner approached the man, he fled on
foot, initiating a chase. During the pursuit, the suspect fired several shots at the officers. One of the bullets struck Tanner in his side, finding a gap between the panels of his protective vest. Despite the grave injury to their fellow officer, Tanner's partner was able to return fire, hitting the suspect.
Following a blood trail left by the wounded man, officers were able to locate and take him into custody. While the suspect was apprehended, Officer Tanner succumbed to his gunshot wound. At the time of his death, he was survived by his expectant fiancée. The apprehension of the suspect occurred at the scene, leading to his immediate arrest in connection with the fatal shooting.
