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Bodycam video from Ozaukee County deputy-involved fatal shooting (Courtesy: Wisconsin DOJ)

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Ozaukee County Deputy Cleared of Criminal Charges in 2023 Fatal Shooting

GRAFTON, Wis. – An Ozaukee County sheriff’s deputy will not face criminal charges in the fatal shooting of an armed suspect in 2023, according to an announcement made by the Wisconsin Department of Justice on Saturday.

The incident took place on November 2, 2023, in the town of Grafton, near County Highway C and Lakefield Road, just east of I-43. According to the DOJ, the situation unfolded when deputies attempted to apprehend the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Christopher Sewell, who had outstanding felony warrants and was allegedly involved in a threat to a neighbor.

The pursuit began on Lakefield Road and continued onto County Highway C. Sewell drove down a dead-end road and ran over a tire deflation device when he turned around, but he continued to flee despite having deflated tires. Eventually, he lost control of his vehicle back on Lakefield Road.

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Officials reported that Sewell fled into a nearby wooded area, with deputies in pursuit. As the deputies approached Sewell, the DOJ stated that he “presented a weapon.”

Body camera footage revealed that Deputy Michael Zilke repeatedly ordered Sewell to stop running and show his hands before ultimately shooting him. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but Sewell succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A firearm was discovered “immediately underneath” Sewell.

Drone footage of the Grafton deputy-involved fatal shooting showing the suspect’s red vehicle with deflated tires (Courtesy: Wisconsin DOJ)

Investigators noted that Deputy Zilke, who possessed eight years of law enforcement experience, fired a total of nine shots. He has been placed on administrative assignment as per agency policy.

No law enforcement officers sustained any injuries during the incident.