July 24, 2023 9:05p
(WGTD)---A 38-year-old Racine man who died in a police standoff in a city park earlier this year had texted a loved one saying he was sorry but that he couldn't go back to jail.
The end for Timothy Burgess came in a hail of police gunfire after he opened fire first on approaching officers.
After examining reports from state agents, Racine County District Attorney Trish Hanson ruled recently that none of the officers who fired their guns that night would face criminal charges. Burgess was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident began with a 'shots fired' domestic violence call in Mt. Pleasant. Burgess had fired a gun at his wife following an argument. She wasn't hurt, and Burgess fled in a vehicle before police arrived.
The SUV was spotted about two hours later near Clayton Park. Burgess bailed and ran into the park, hiding in some tall grass.
According to the reports, a drone with an infrared camera spotted Burgess. He refused to surrender. "Closeup video from the drone...shows that Burgess is very agitated and seems troubled, struggling with his emotions," wrote Racine County District Attorney Trish Hanson.
An examination of Burgess' phone uncovered a text message he had sent to a saved contact called "my baby girl" in which he wrote, "I love you. I'm sorry I can't go back to jail baby."
Burgess was recently released from federal prison after serving a 13-year-long sentence on a drug conviction.
After being unable to convince Burgess to surrender, officers using a ballistic shield slowly approached the spot where Burgess was sitting. Video from the drone shows Burgess firing two shots after the officers got to within 10 to 15 feet. Eight officers immediately discharged their firearms, striking Burgess 11 times. No officers were hit.
While no criminal charges will be filed against the officers, the Racine Police Department said it'll be conducting an internal review to determine if policies and procedures were followed.
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