This video illustrates why there's no such thing as a "routine traffic stop."

The video begins from the perspective of Mlwaukee PD officer Herbert Davis, who has been called by a concerned citizen to do a welfare check on an unresponsive person in the vehicle. Having opened the driver's door, the officer finds the driver, later identified as Jetrin Rodthong, in a non-responsive state. At 0:44 seconds, he reaches into the vehicle and turns it off, then places the keys on the roof. At 0:49 seconds, dispatch confirms that EMS is en route. This proves to be a prescient move. Rodthong appears to wake at 0:55 seconds, prompting Officer Davis to introduce himself. When questioned, Rodthong is sluggish, eventually explaining that he had been "drinking all night". At this point, Davis requests back-up. He does this from the driver's side door without creating any form of distance or cover, which is especially concerning given what happens later in the footage. At 02:23, Davis asks Rodthong whether he has an ID, to which the suspect answers "no." It is at this point that Officer Davis asks the suspect to exit the vehicle.

The perspective changes from Davis' bodycam to the dash cam of his patrol car. At 02:42, Rodthong struggles with Davis. Rodthong draws a handgun at 02:44, prompting Davis to retreat around the rear of the suspect's car for cover. At 02:49, Davis is heard shouting "Stop" as Rodthong points the weapon at him. At 02:51, Rodthong fires at the officer four times before retreating to his driver's side door and firing again as Davis rolls on the ground. At 03:15, he fires again. Davis returns fire at 03:16, firing five rounds, with two more as he rises to his feet. Rodthong moves to Davis' patrol vehicle and returns fire. There is an audible exclamation at 03:28 as Davis is hit and retreats. Rodthong begins driving the officer's vehicle at 03: 34, fleeing the scene eastbound. During this period, the in-car radio traffic records Davis' requests for EMS and explanation that his car has been stolen. At 04:15, Officer Davis reports that he "does not know if he's been shot or not" which provides an inference regarding the effects of adrenaline. Rodthong, meanwhile, disregards and runs a red traffic light at 05:05, causing him to crash into a vehicle in the intersection.

Officer Davis was shot in the left flank and shoulder, with the shoulder shot lodging near his sternum. Despite his injuries, Davis was ambulatory and released from the hospital by the next day. Jetrin Rodthong pled guilty to attempted 1st degree homicide, operating a vehicle without the owner's consent, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, hit-and-run involving injury and possession of methamphetamine.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.