Kenosha Officers Will Not be Charged Over Jacob Blake Shooting, City Braces for Unrest

District Attorney Michael Graveley said Officer Rusten Sheskey was justified in his use of deadly force. The other officers at the scene also will not be charged.

Embed from Getty Images

The Kenosha County (WI) District Attorney has declined to file criminal charges against the police officer who shot Jacob Blake.

District Attorney Michael Graveley said Officer Rusten Sheskey was justified in his use of deadly force. The other officers at the scene also will not be charged.

And Blake will not face any charges over the incident, WISN reports.

Sheskey shot Blake multiple times on Aug. 23 as Blake, 29, was about to get into an SUV during a domestic dispute. Blake survived the shooting and is paralyzed.

Blake is serving two years probation after reaching a plea agreement on the charges that resulted in the attempt to arrest him for violating a restraining order Aug. 23.

Blake had been charged a month earlier with third-degree sexual assault, a felony, and two misdemeanors, trespassing and disorderly conduct, in connection with an altercation at his girlfriend's home several weeks earlier. Under his deal with prosecutors, Blake pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct involving domestic abuse, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Graveley said Sheskey, 31, was acting in self-defense when he shot Blake.

The police union has maintained Blake resisted arrest and was armed with a knife. A knife was found on the floor of the vehicle Blake was trying to get into. His three children were in the back seat of the SUV when he was shot.

The shooting sparked protests and riots that went on for several nights.

A federal investigation has also been opened into Blake’s shooting.

Blake's family Monday night called for nonviolent demonstrations in Kenosha after the decision was announced.

"Police officer Sheskey needs to be fired, indicted and have his day in court," Jacob Blake's uncle, Justin Blake, said at a Monday news conference. "The Blake family one day will get justice. ... We’re a patient family."

The city is preparing for the worst with barriers and fencing to protect some buildings. Gov. Tony Evers has also called out 500 members of the Wisconsin National Guard and Kenosha's mayor has been given emergency powers to declare emergencies and curfews.

About the Author
Page 1 of 2351
Next Page