Man shot, killed by officer in Beloit identified

BELOIT, Wis. -- The Rock County Medical Examiner's Department on Tuesday identified a man who was shot and killed by a police officer during an incident in Beloit last month.

Michael P. Ward, 33, of Beloit was pronounced dead at a hospital on April 28. The Medical Examiner's Department said the cause and manner of his death were pending as of Tuesday afternoon and additional tests are underway.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, officers found Ward armed with two bladed weapons in the 1700 block of Ashland Ave. at around 9:46 a.m. on April 28.

DOJ officials said Ward was advancing towards another person. When asked to put the weapons down, he allegedly did not comply. An officer then shot Ward.

The officer involved was placed on administrative leave. The DOJ's Division of Criminal Investigation is looking into the shooting and will turn over its investigative reports to the Rock County District Attorney.

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