Update: Off-Duty Officer Killed in Bar Shooting

RACINE, WI—Update 6 AM: An off duty Racine Police officer was killed in a shooting at a bar in Racine last night.

Police are now confirming that officer John Hetland, a 24 year vet of the department, died after the shooting at the bar Teezers, on 20th and Lathrop.

It happened around 9:40 PM. The incident reportedly started as a robbery in which Officer Hetland intervened.

Witnesses say that a masked person entered the bar just before the incident. A social media post by one of the bar’s owners stated that the suspect fired shots before leaving out a back door.

Those inside the bar were questioned for any details they may have witnessed. The search for the suspect led authorities to warn residents via phone message to be vigilant.

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, the Racine County Sheriff’s Department, the State of Wisconsin Crime Lab, and the Wisconsin State Patrol are all assisting with the investigation.  

 

Update 5 AM: A shooting was reported at a bar in Racine. Police are now confirming that one person has died after the shooting at the bar Teezers, on 20th and Lathrop.

Media reports have started to piece together various details on the story, including that the incident may have started as a robbery and a good Samaritan-who may have been an off duty police officer-intervened.

A social media post by one of the bar’s owners stated that the suspect fired shots before leaving out a back door.

Witnesses say that a masked person entered the bar just before the incident. Those inside the bar were questioned for any details they may have witnessed.

The search for the suspect led authorities to warn residents via phone message to be vigilant and leave exterior lights on.