WATERTOWN (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Justice confirms an armed suspect died after a confrontation with police Wednesday.
DOJ officials say around 11:15 a.m., officers with the Watertown Police Department responded to a call about criminal damage to property at an apartment. Authorities say a suspect took off before officers arrived.
Police later found the suspect in a parking lot on Tower Drive. DOJ officials say the suspect turned toward law enforcement with a handgun and at least one officer shot at him.
Officers tried to save the suspect's life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The officers who were involved in the shooting are now on paid administrative leave, which is policy in situations like this.
The DOJ's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.
The shooting happened outside Luther Preparatory School. The president of the school, Matt Crass, sent a letter to all Luther Prep parents, students, faculty and staff Wednesday night, saying all dorms were put on lockdown and staff members made sure no students approached the scene.
Crass confirmed the incident did not involve any Luther Prep students, faculty or staff.
"Though we are saddened by what occurred, we are grateful to God that none of our students were physically harmed. To those who have received emotional harm, we again ask for his good grace upon them in this hour of distress," Crass said in the letter.
Crass said the school will still have classes and all activities on Thursday.
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