Man 'Viciously Executed' at Gas Station, Suspect Dies in Shootout With Undercover Cop

An investigation is underway in Wisconsin after a man fatally shot a 22-year-old at a gas station before eventually dying in a shootout with an undercover police officer.

The incidents unfolded around 7:30 a.m. when officers received reports of shots fired at the Pilot Travel Center in the village of Caledonia. Authorities say a 32-year-old man approached the 22-year-old who was putting gas in his car and shot him.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said at a press briefing later Tuesday that the victim was "viciously executed."

"I personally watched this video, ladies and gentlemen, of this horrific event, and I found it extremely disturbing and heart-wrenching to view," Schmaling said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing."

The gunman then shot at another person driving through the gas station parking lot before fleeing the scene. The second person was not injured in the shooting, the sheriff said.

The suspect traveled eastbound on Highway K after leaving the Pilot Travel Stop. Caledonia officers were in the area and saw the suspect "aggressively" pull into the Franksville Mobil station, which is located about 2 miles away from the first gas station.

An undercover sheriff's investigator was at the Mobil station putting fuel into an unmarked squad vehicle when the suspect arrived. According to Schmaling, the suspect approached the investigator with a gun drawn and began shooting at a close distance.

The investigator also began firing his weapon. The suspect was hit several times during the shootout and died as a result of the injuries, authorities said.

The investigator was also struck by gunfire and was transported to Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine for treatment. The sheriff reported that he was conscious and alert.

No information was provided Tuesday on the shooter's possible motive. The names of the suspect and victim have not been released.

Schmaling also said he had "no doubt" the investigator's response saved lives, as the gas stations were "bustling with action" during the morning rush hour.

Caledonia Police Chief Christopher Botsch echoed that sentiment during the press briefing, adding that law enforcement officers are "doing their job on a daily basis to try to prevent these sorts of things."

"This incident was kept from being even more tragic by the heroic actions of the officer," Botsch said. "What happened here today in Caledonia was a horrific incident, and our hearts go out to the families of the victims."

The Wisconsin Justice Department's Division of Criminal Investigation is now leading the investigation. Newsweek reached out to the DCI for additional information but didn't receive a response before publication.