Milwaukee Police District 5 Station Shooter Darreon L. Parker-Bell Facing More Than 152 Years In Prison, If Convicted On 8 Felony Counts Including Attempt First-degree Intentional Homicide

Parker-Bell walked into the Milwaukee Police Department District 5th Station and open fired at police staff after his friend Keishon D. Thomas, 20, died in police custody, no one was reported injured.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Darreon L. Parker-Bell, 23, was charged with one count of attempt first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon and seven counts of first degree reckless endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he could face up to 152 years, 6 months in prison and could be fined up to $175,000.

The criminal complaint states Parker-Bell walked into the Milwaukee Police Department District 5th Station lobby on February 25, 2022 around 3:03p.m. at 2920 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. in the Northside of Milwaukee and fired several gunshots inside the lobby at police staff. At the time, there were several community members

inside the lobby. No one was reported injured.

An officer returned fire, at which time Parker-Bell fled the location on foot. Officers pursued Parker-Bell on foot. Parker-Bell was still armed when officers encountered him on the 2900 block of N. 6th Street. During the encounter, multiple officers discharged their weapons,

subsequently striking him multiple times. No officers were injured. Parker-Bell's firearm was recovered at the scene.

Parker-Bell was transported to Froedtert Hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot injuries and remained under arrest.

Seven officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative duty pending to the outcome of the investigation.

Apparently, Parker-Bell was distraught that his friend Thomas had unexpectedly died in police custody at the Milwaukee Police District 5 Station on February 23, 2022 and he was allegedly planning to take some type of action, according to social media posts by the suspect.

The Thomas death was ruled as an "accident" in the preliminary report by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. At least 3 police officers have been suspended with pay in Thomas death, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffery Norman.

Thomas was stopped during a traffic stop and police arrested Thomas on an active warrant for misdemeanor theft of movable property of $2,500, several years ago.

Parker-Bell was convicted for misdemeanor endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon on February 21, 2021 and was sentenced to 40 days in the House of Corrections, according to Wisconsin court records.