MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – Jacob Blake, the man who was shot by Kenosha police in August, has been transferred to a spinal cord rehab center in Chicago.
His family said Blake was left paralyzed below the waist after being shot seven times in the back. Police were called to Blake’s girlfriend’s home because of a domestic dispute. At the time Blake was the subject of an outstanding warrant and a court order to stay away from the area. Police were unable to subdue him. Video from onlookers show Blake walking towards a vehicle with officers, guns drawn, following him. He was shot at close range when he tried to enter the vehicle. A knife was found inside.
The shooting sparked days of unrest in Kenosha that included looting and rioting.
Blake had been recovering at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. His family says he will likely be a long-term patient at the rehab center.
Family members have called for criminal charges to be filed against officer Rusten Sheskey. The shooting is still under investigation by the State Department of Justice. The DOJ will make recommendations to the Kenosha Attorney General, who will decide if charges will be filed.
Blake is facing charges of sexual assault, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. He is scheduled for a court appearance on October 21.
