2 charged in protest altercation over police officer

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WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) — Two men are charged in connection to an altercation with suspended a Wauwatosa police officer in a protest outside the house where he was staying.

According to a criminal complaint, Ronald Bell admitted he was holding a shotgun when it discharged outside the home Aug. 8 during the protest calling for the termination of Joseph Mensah. The officer has been suspended by the city’s Police and Fire Commission after shooting and killing three people in the line of duty over the past five years.

In a Facebook post, Mensah says he tried to engage in a dialogue with the demonstrators, but the protest escalated. Witnesses, including state Rep. David Bowen, said Mensah came out of the house and was aggressive.

Bell is charged with recklessly endangering safety and battery to a law enforcement officer. He has apologized for his involvement, WTMJ-TV reported.

William Lofton is also charged with recklessly endangering safety. His public defender did not immediately return a call for comment.