A Milwaukee County sheriff’s deputy was shot seven times early this morning during the search for one of two suspects that fled on foot from a traffic stop. The sheriff said the deputy suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated at an area hospital.

Prior to the shooting, another deputy had initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a registration violation and requested assistance. As additional deputies were arriving, the driver and passenger of the vehicle fled on foot. The driver was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, according to Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas.

Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the West Allis Police Department searched for the second suspect. Shortley after 3 a.m., a deputy observed a male subject climb out of a garbage bin.  

“A perimeter was reestablished, and a deputy encountered and approached a male suspect,” Lucas explained, during a press conference carried by FOX6. “The subject produced a firearm and fired at our deputy, striking him seven times in both his arms and his torso. The deputy was conveyed to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. At this time his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.” Lucas said.

Sheriff’s deputies and officers from multiple surrounding agencies began a search for the shooting suspect. During the search deputies encountered a male subject crouching behind a vehicle and issued commands for the subject to cooperate.

“Subsequently, the deputies and officers heard a single shot and found the subject lying on the ground from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” added Lucas.

The Milwaukee Police Department was requested to conduct an independent investigation to the self-inflicted shooting, but at this time have not determined if the individual was connected to the shooting of the deputy. Earlier shelter in place orders issued earlier in the day were lifted.

"This morning, a courageous deputy sheriff placed himself in harm’s way, sacrificing his own safety to protect our community. The people of Milwaukee County should be very proud of this devoted public servant. The prayers and healing thoughts of all members of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office are with our injured comrade and his family as they navigate this challenging time. We wish our deputy a full recovery and extend our strongest support to him,” Lucas said in a statement.

The 26-year-old wounded deputy has served with the department for about 18 months and worked patrol division, according to the sheriff.