Crime
Suspect in Shorewood Officer Shooting Fatally Shot by Milwaukee and Glendale Police Following Pursuit
SHOREWOOD, WI — A Shorewood police officer was shot early Thursday morning while responding to reports of a shooting near Bartlett and Kenmore Avenues.
According to Shorewood Police Chief Heather Wurth, the incident occurred just before 3:00 a.m. on July 3, during what authorities now believe was a targeted act of violence.
As officers were en route to the scene, one of the squad vehicles came under fire from an unknown assailant.
At least two rounds struck the windshield, and another hit the passenger side of the squad car.
One officer was struck, but the bullet was stopped by his protective vest.
He was transported to the hospital as a precaution and has since been released. Chief Wurth confirmed the officer is in “good spirits.”
The status of two other individuals injured in the initial shooting has not been publicly released, though the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed it responded to the scene.
As the investigation unfolded, residents near Newhall and Wood were urged to shelter in place due to what was described as an “ongoing tactical situation.” A heavy police presence was reported in both Shorewood and surrounding areas, including Milwaukee and Glendale.
Law enforcement sources now indicate that a high-speed pursuit involving the suspect unfolded later in the morning.
The suspect allegedly fired shots at officers during the chase, including at 4th Street and Reservoir Avenue.
The chase ultimately ended near Port Washington and Hampton Avenues in Glendale, where officers from the Milwaukee and Glendale Police Departments returned fire.
Preliminary, unconfirmed reports indicate that the suspect was shot and killed while still inside the vehicle. Official confirmation is pending.
During a press conference, Chief Wurth stated the attack did not appear to be random and called for an end to the rising violence in the region:
“Our officers are doing an incredibly difficult job, under difficult circumstances, and facing inherent risks. We need the support of the public now more than ever,” she said.
She further urged community members to report illegal firearms and active threats, emphasizing that many individuals in the community are aware of unlawful behavior and must come forward to prevent tragedies.
“We know people have guns illegally, and we need the community’s help to end this tragic, tragic violence,” she added.
The shooting incident remains under active investigation by local and regional law enforcement.
The names of the suspect and other victims have not yet been released. Shorewood Police, Milwaukee Police, Glendale Police, and additional tactical units continue to coordinate efforts.
Residents are urged to avoid the area and report any relevant information to authorities. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.