Suspect Arrested In Fatal Shooting Of Racine Officer

Authorities report an arrest in the killing of a Racine police officer who was shot while trying to stop an armed robbery earlier this month.

Authorities confirmed the arrest in the death of Officer John Hetland at a news conference Thursday. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office said Friday a 26-year-old Milwaukee man is in its jail following his arrest Thursday, a day after Officer John Hetland’s funeral.

Authorities say the suspect was arrested in Milwaukee with Hetland’s handcuffs. He has not yet been charged. Officials say the arrest was made with the cooperation of more than 17 law enforcement agencies and thousands of hours of work by investigators.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling says he hopes the arrest brings some comfort to Hetland’s family.

Hetland — a 24-year veteran of the Racine Police Department — was off-duty when he was fatally shot on June 17 when he tried to intervene in an armed robbery at Teezers Bar and Grill. Authorities said Hetland jumped over the bar and confronted a masked, armed man when he was shot.

Hundreds of mourners turned out Wednesday to honor Hetland.