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Madison commission delays decision on complaint over Corey Ruiz shooting

Madison’s Police and Fire Commission heard allegations that Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson violated department rules and state law when he fatally shot Corey Ruiz in July. The commission will consider written arguments before hearing oral arguments in December.

Madison commission delays decision on complaint over Corey Ruiz shooting
MADISON — The Madison Police and Fire Commission will not immediately decide whether to advance a formal complaint against Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, who fatally shot Corey Ruiz in July. The commission held a hearing Tuesday on the complaint, which was filed by Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County. The group alleges that Baitinger-Peterson violated Madison Police Department rules and Wisconsin law in using deadly force. It also alleges that three other officers involved in the encounter failed to intervene to prevent unnecessary deadly force. BPSA is calling for Baitinger-Peterson to be terminated. The officer’s attorney, Kate Harrell of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, asked commissioners to dismiss the complaint. Harrell argued that BPSA does not have the legal standing required under state law to bring the case. Commission President Mary Schauf said commissioners needed additional time to review the materials submitted by both sides. “It is important that the parties and the commissioners have sufficient time to review all of the materials that are being provided,” Schauf said. Written response briefs are due Nov. 10. The commission has scheduled oral arguments for 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1. The complaint and hearing come as Madison continues to face public scrutiny over Ruiz’s death and the use of deadly force by police. The commission’s eventual decision could determine whether the conduct allegations move forward through the city’s police disciplinary process.

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