Wisconsin Officer Identified in Fatal Shooting of Black Cyclist During July Traffic Stop

Authorities in Wisconsin identified officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson as the officer who fatally shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz on July 22 in Madison. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation disclosed the name Monday as the state continues its investigation into the shooting, which was recorded by bystanders and ignited community unrest.

Baitinger-Peterson, a white officer with nearly 11 years of law enforcement experience, was one of four officers who engaged Ruiz, who was riding a bicycle at the time. Police responded to reports of someone inspecting parked vehicles and an alleged burglary attempt when the confrontation occurred.

The shooting prompted multiple days of demonstrations and demands from Black community leaders for Madison to confront systemic racial justice concerns. Video documentation of the incident intensified scrutiny, though Madison police do not equip officers with body cameras to record interactions.

According to the state Justice Department, two officers deployed a Taser without success before Ruiz brandished a knife and wounded Baitinger-Peterson. Law enforcement has not disclosed details about the extent of the officer’s injuries but released a photograph of the recovered blade.

Baitinger-Peterson and three other officers involved remain on paid administrative leave pending the investigation’s conclusion. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne will review findings to determine whether to pursue charges against the officer.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Ruiz’s family, has demanded that prosecutors charge Baitinger-Peterson. Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, expressed concerns about the officer’s safety following the public identification.