Milwaukee Deputy Cleared In Lakefront Fatal Shooting Last Year

Prosecutors say a Milwaukee sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot a man in an SUV last year was justified in killing him because the man’s reckless driving posed a threat.

Deputy Michael Truax shot Terry Williams, 19, after Williams failed to obey a traffic sign and drove off a road and onto grassy public space on Milwaukee’s lakefront on June 2017. The area is heavily populated during summer months.

Prosecutors said in their decision letter Wednesday that Truax shot Williams as Williams drove toward the deputy.

Truax has been on leave pending the conclusion of the investigation. It wasn’t immediately known what he is doing now.

Williams’ family couldn’t immediately be reached for comment through a representative.

Prosecutors say Williams had marijuana and opiates in his system when he died.