Shooting Follows Fender Bender in Milwaukee

On October 09, 2025, at approximately 7:45 AM, a minor fender bender occurred between a vehicle driven by a 40-year-old off-duty Milwaukee police officer, a 21-year veteran and firearms instructor, and a sedan driven by Elijah Wilks. Both drivers stopped to assess the damage. Dashcam footage from the officer’s personal vehicle shows a verbal exchange escalating when Wilks, armed with a handgun, struck the officer in the face with the weapon, causing significant facial injuries. In response, the officer, acting in self-defense, drew his concealed firearm and exchanged gunfire with Wilks, who was fatally wounded. Milwaukee Fire Department pronounced Wilks deceased at the scene. The officer was treated at Hospital and released the same day.