Beloit police: Officers fatally shoot 23-year-old suspect wanted for a probation violation

BELOIT, Wis. — Wisconsin authorities Wednesday were investigating an officer-involved shooting in Beloit that left dead a 23-year-old man who had been wanted for a probation violation.

Officers had Darrius Lowery-Baptiste under surveillance, watched him leave a residence and attempted to stop his car about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Beloit police Capt. Vince Sciame said. He had been wanted through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for a probation violation, Sciame said.

Two officers boxed him in the middle of two unmarked police vehicles, and a third officer arrived to assist.

One officer got out and ordered Lowery-Baptiste to put the car in park, but he didn't follow the instruction. Lowery-Baptiste rammed his vehicle into the rear end of the front vehicle and drove at the other officer, Sciame said.

An officer fired shots at Lowery-Baptiste, as did the third patrol officer, Sciame said

The driver crashed into a building and died at the scene, Sciame said.

The two officers who fired the shots are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Sciame said. The officers' names were not released. The two officers who fired their guns have been with the department 18 years and nearly 3 years. A third officer with 14 years of service was at the scene but did not discharge his weapon.

In a news release Wednesday morning, Beloit police Chief Norm Jacobs said the officers are temporarily assigned outside of their normal work duties "for our convenience and their benefit." He said the department will conduct an internal investigation after state investigators are finished.

Witnesses, police officers and others will be interviewed over the next several days, he said.