Restrained & uncooperative: Lewis makes first court appearance
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 18-year-old Sylvester Lewis -- facing three felony charges in connection with the playground shooting that left 10-year-old Sierra Guyton with serious injuries made his initial appearance in court on Thursday, May 29th.
For a man who has been in and out of court since he was 12 years old, the gravity of Thursday's initial appearance seemed lost on Lewis.
Lewis was reportedly uncooperative. He was already restrained in a wheelchair for the court appearance. He was writhing around in the chair -- and had to be restrained further.
Lewis refused to sign a no-contact order -- and at one point, exclaimed several expletives.
This, as the charges against him were read -- one by one.
Lewis faces the following charges: one count of first-degree reckless injury (use of a dangerous weapon), one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety (use of a dangerous weapon), and possession of a firearm by a felon.
10-year-old Sierra Guyton was shot while on a playground near N. 28th Street and Clarke Street on Wednesday evening, May 21st.
The playground is across the street from the little girl’s home.
According to the criminal complaint, Lewis and another individual were shooting at each other, when the child was caught in the crossfire — and shot.
Sierra Guyton was taken to Children’s Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Lewis told police he was in the area of 28th and Clarke on May 21st because he was going to a school in the area to visit someone — according to the complaint.
The complaint says Lewis admitted to police he was armed with a 9mm handgun that was loaded with several .380 cartridges.
The complaint says Lewis told police as he rode up to the playground, he saw five men sitting on some steps that led to the playground. Lewis said one of the men confronted him about stealing his “baby momma’s kids’ clothes.”
The complaint says Lewis told police he saw the man stand up and back away — and noticed that he was “upping” a gun.
Lewis said he got off his bike and moved into the middle of the street — when the man pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him.
The complaint says Lewis drew his own gun as a shot “went past his ear.”
The complaint says Lewis then began firing his handgun. He told police he fired eight times toward the man — and the playground.
The complaint says Lewis told police he was aware he was firing the handgun towards the playground where several people — including children, where located.
After the shooting incident, Lewis told police he went to a friend’s house and changed this clothing.
Lewis then went to the south side of Milwaukee where sold the handgun for $250 — and spent the night at 46th and Lisbon to evade police, according to the complaint.
The judge in the case set bail at $250,000. Lewis' preliminary hearing is set for June 6th.
The second suspect in this case was arrested on Wednesday, May 28th.
He is a 28-year-old Milwaukee man.
He has yet to be charged in this case.
CLICK HERE to read a collection of stories related to the shooting of 10-year-old Sierra Guyton via FOX6Now.com.