Accused Shooter in Officer’s Death Criminally Charged

Accused gun and drug dealer Jordan P. Fricke, 26, fired an AK-47 pistol at police while they were executing a search warrant, penetrating Officer Matthew Rittner’s lungs and aorta, a newly filed criminal complaint alleges.

Fricke heard MPD shout “Police!” multiple times but said he didn’t think it was actually police and shot off four bullets as Rittner used a battering ram to open the door, the complaint alleges.  

The gunman accused of killing Rittner has been charged by the State of Wisconsin with first-degree intentional homicide, first degree reckless endangerment of the safety of others and drug trafficking out of his home. Rittner, an Iraq war veteran, was the third Milwaukee police officer to die this year, and his death has sparked a vigil and fundraising effort to help his family. You can read the complaint in full here:

“The defendant did admit that he knew that AK-47 ammunition was ‘devastating ammunition’ and that hitting someone in the chest with that round would probably result in that person dying,” alleged the criminal complaint from Milwaukee County Circuit Court. 

The “no knock” search warrant had been obtained by another officer and detective after they obtained information about the purchase of a weapon and conducted two controlled marijuana purchases from Fricke’s residence, according to the complaint, which accuses Fricke of being involved in illegal gun sales despite possessing a concealed carry permit. Some of the weapons were obtained through straw purchasers at gun shows and stores, the complaint says.

The Milwaukee Police Tactical Enforcement Unit executed the search warrant on Feb. 6 and approached Fricke’s residence at 2945 S. 12^th Street.  Officers repeatedly yelled “Police, Search Warrant!” while using a battering ram to enter the rear door, the complaint says. In addition, a second man, Marlon Tirado, was charged with a drug offense.

The complaint against Fricke also alleges: 

The nine-officer team continued up the stairs to the upper unit.  Fricke had been lying in bed with his girlfriend but rose quickly at the sounds of the police and allegedly began shooting once Rittner made an opening in door.

“While Officer Rittner was using the ram, one of the tactical team yelled ‘Police!’ Almost immediately, four gunshots are fired through the opening in the door from inside the defendant’s residence,” says the complaint.

After Rittner was shot, he was carried down the stairs and was tended to by medics and officers before being taken to Froedtert Hospital.

Officer Lane Grady arrested Fricke.  MPD found eight firearms, a Taser, parts for assault rifles, two scales and $3,000 in a safe, the complaint says.

Fricke’s most outstanding offense prior to this is an OWI in 2014, according to Wisconsin Circuit Court records. 

Fricke has admitted to selling marijuana from his residence, assembling rifles and selling firearms at gun shows, says the complaint.  First-degree homicide is a Class A felony, which could lead to a sentencing of life imprisonment.  He is being held in Milwaukee County Jail on a $500,000 bond.