Madison Police Officer Named in Fatal Shooting of Corey Ruiz

Wisconsin investigators have identified the Madison police officer who fatally shot a 38-year-old Black man in July, an incident that ignited days of protests in the state capital.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation said Monday that Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, a white officer with nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, fired the shots that killed Corey Ruiz on July 22.

Police said Baitinger-Peterson was among four officers who responded to calls about someone checking parked cars and an alleged burglary attempt. The officers surrounded Ruiz, who was on a bicycle.

Baitinger-Peterson and the other three officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the state investigates. There is no timeline for the conclusion of the investigation. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne will review the findings before deciding whether to file charges.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Ruiz's family, has called for charges against the officer.

Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, expressed concern about the officer's public identification, citing safety and privacy worries for him and his family. He said appropriate precautions are in place and urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without prejudging those involved.

Bystander video captured the confrontation, but no body camera footage exists because Madison police officers do not wear them. The state Justice Department said two officers attempted to use Tasers on Ruiz without success. Ruiz allegedly brandished a knife and injured Baitinger-Peterson. Authorities have not disclosed the extent of the officer's injuries but released an image of a fixed-blade knife recovered at the scene.

The shooting led to the cancellation or postponement of several nearby community events.