Attorney General Josh Kaul | Attorney General Josh Kaul Office
Attorney General Josh Kaul | Attorney General Josh Kaul Office
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer-involved death in Beloit, Wisconsin, which occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, May 16, 2024.
At approximately 3:26 p.m., officers from the Beloit Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing near the 2000 block of Frederick Street. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female who had been stabbed. Officers then observed Gregory W. Tracy, 54, armed with an edged weapon and making violent threats towards a second individual believed to be inside the residence.
An officer attempted to use a less lethal option, but it was ineffective. Subsequently, Beloit Police Officer Cole Gille, with six years of law enforcement service, discharged his firearm and struck Tracy. Despite life-saving measures performed at the scene, Tracy was pronounced deceased. The female victim was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a trauma center where she remains in stable condition. It was later determined that no other persons were in the residence. Edged weapons were recovered at the scene.
A law enforcement officer sustained minor injuries during the incident and received treatment.
Officer Gille has been placed on administrative leave as per agency policy. All involved law enforcement officers were wearing body cameras during the incident.
DCI is leading this investigation with assistance from several agencies including the Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Beloit Fire Department, Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office, Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office, a DCI Crime Response Specialist, and members of the DCI Digital Evidence Unit. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.
DCI continues to review evidence and determine the facts surrounding this incident and will submit investigative reports to the Rock County District Attorney upon conclusion of their investigation.
All media inquiries should be directed to Wisconsin DOJ.
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