Milwaukee Officer Shoots, Kills Man Fleeing in Tow Truck

Family of Jonathan Otto, 35, questions police use of deadly force during parole violation incident.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:49am

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A Milwaukee police officer shot and killed a 35-year-old man, Jonathan Otto, who was wanted for violating parole, after the officer clung to the outside of the moving tow truck Otto was driving. Dash cam footage captured the incident, which began when officers responded to a call and attempted to apprehend Otto, who then sped away with the officer hanging onto the truck's window. After multiple commands to stop, the officer fired, killing Otto.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns from Otto's family about the police's use of deadly force, with his mother questioning whether it was necessary given Otto's history of fleeing from police. The case highlights ongoing debates around police tactics, accountability, and the appropriate use of force, especially in situations involving suspects with prior records.

The details

According to police, the incident began when officers responded to the 1900 block of S 12th Street, looking for Otto, who was wanted for violating parole. An officer attempted to get Otto out of the tow truck, but Otto sped away with the officer clinging to the window. The officer warned Otto he would shoot if the truck did not stop, and after Otto refused multiple commands, the officer fired, killing him. Another officer was pursuing the truck from behind with lights and sirens.

  • The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Neighbors near 15th and Grant Street reported hearing gunshots that morning.

The players

Jonathan Otto

A 35-year-old man who was wanted for violating parole and was killed by a Milwaukee police officer during the incident.

Tracy Broyld

The mother of Jonathan Otto, who is grieving the loss of her son and questioning the police's use of deadly force.

Milwaukee Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Ana Rios

A witness who captured dash cam footage of the officer clinging to the tow truck window.

The Rios Family

The family who provided the dash cam footage that captured the incident.

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What they’re saying

“He's a dad, he's a brother. He's my oldest child. He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve this.”

— Tracy Broyld, Mother of Jonathan Otto (tmj4.com)

“His life was in danger, the cop, just for doing his job.”

— Ana Rios, Witness (tmj4.com)

“I feel like he executed my son. Like, I mean, yes, he was fleeing, but absolutely, there was no reason to shoot him.”

— Tracy Broyld, Mother of Jonathan Otto (tmj4.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the officer who fired the fatal shots has been placed on administrative duty, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has sparked renewed debates around police tactics, use of force, and accountability, particularly in cases involving suspects with prior records who may be more likely to flee from law enforcement. The family's grief and questions about the necessity of lethal force underscore the complex and sensitive nature of these situations, which require careful examination and ongoing dialogue between communities and their police departments.