Corey Ruiz was shot and killed by a Madison police officer during a struggle involving a knife.

Corey Ruiz, 38, was killed by a Madison police officer on Wednesday after a struggle involving a knife. The incident occurred in the Marquette section of Madison when Ruiz, who was suspected of stealing bicycles and checking parked cars, fled from officers on a bike. Four officers eventually caught Ruiz, who brandished a fixed-blade knife and injured one officer. After a taser proved unsuccessful, the injured officer fired three shots at Ruiz, who later died at a hospital. The shooting sparked immediate protests from rioters who demanded transparency and accountability. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced that state authorities will lead an independent investigation into the incident. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, representing the family, described the shooting as an "unjustified" execution and called for the installation of body cameras, as Madison police do not currently use them. Police Chief John Patterson stated that all four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The family of Corey Ruiz expressed deep grief, with his mother, Elsa Ruiz, describing him as an exceptional man who loved his family.

Sources