Authorities in Kenosha, Wisconsin, have released new details about the police-involved shooting that left Jacob Blake paralyzed from the waist down and sparked continued protests and riots in the city. The officer who shot Blake in the back was identified as Rusten Sheskey, a seven-year veteran of the force. The other officers at the scene have not been identified.
Officials said they were dispatched to a domestic incident at the home after a woman called 911 and said that "her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises." The called named Blake and said he took her keys and refused to leave. When officers arrived, they attempted to take Blake into custody. They tried to subdue him with a Taser. After that failed, Blake started walking to his car. He "opened the driver's side door, and leaned forward," as Sheskey grabbed Blake's shirt and then fired seven shots. No other officers fired their guns.
Deputies immediately began to provide medical care to Blake, and he was rushed to the hospital. He survived the shooting but remains hospitalized and could be paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life.
Investigators spoke to Blake, who admitted he had a knife, which was recovered from the driver's side floorboard of his vehicle. No other weapons were found.
Sheskey and the other officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is heading up the investigation and is working with the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Kenosha County Sheriff's Department. A report on the shooting should be completed within 30 days and will be sent over to the prosecutor, who will determine whether criminal charges should be filed against the officers involved.
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