Fight leads to shooting near 78th and Calumet, 1 dead

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn has confirmed a fatal shooting in the 7600 block of 78th St. near Calumet on Wednesday, August 7th around 4:15 p.m. The victim is a 26-year-old man.

Initial investigation shows the incident started as a verbal argument that escalated to property damage and a physical fight. The shooting suspects left the area before returning and shooting the victim.

"Obviously it's frustrating. The largest percentage of our homicides this summer have been arguments that, basically, went from words, to fists, to guns," said Chief Flynn. "We've got a circumstance where there are people out here that are heavily armed, that engage in the confrontations with each other, that are willing to use firearms."

This incident happened just hours after Chief Flynn and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett held a press conference addressing the rash of shootings Milwaukee has faced recently. Among the announcements made were $500,000 dedicated to police overtime.

"Crime is something that you have to get out in front of," said Milwaukee Police Association President Mike Crivello. "It's a great opportunity to put more officers out there, to keep our community safe, but what we need to do is look for sustainability."

Mayor Barrett has asked to be notified each time there is a homicide in Milwaukee. The call for this incident was his 51st notification this year.

"We'll figure it out and we'll get to the bottom of it," declared Chief Flynn.