"Terrible:" Increased patrols after rocks thrown at officers during large disturbance at Sherman Park

Increased patrols after rocks thrown at officers during large disturbance at Sherman Park

MILWAUKEE -- There was chaos in Sherman Park near 39th and Burleigh Wednesday night, June 29th -- and officers and deputies in riot gear were called out to disperse a group of teenagers/young adults breaking windows and throwing rocks at officers.

Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Sherman Park

Neighbors tell FOX6 News young people have been gathering at the park in droves at night for the past few weeks.

During the day on Thursday, June 30th, Sherman Park was a spot for playing softball and basketball, and playing on the playground.

"I never come up here at night. Not at night," Brenda Manns said.

Sherman Park

What happened on Wednesday night is even more reason for those like Manns to avoid the area after dark.

Milwaukee police say dozens of teens gathered and caused a disturbance.

FOX6's cameras captured young people throwing rocks at law enforcement officials. One teenager was detained after throwing a rock at a deputy.

Sherman Park

Windows were broken at the nearby BP gas station, which had to close due to safety concerns.

BP gas station near Sherman Park

A brick was thrown at a Milwaukee County Transit System bus headed down Sherman -- smashing the window. A board was tossed onto its roof.

"It could have been really serious. This bus is going down the road. The area that it broke the windshield is not too far from the driver. Whoever did this should know the police are taking this very seriously," Brendan Conway, MCTS spokesman said.

Damage to MCTS bus near Sherman Park

"We're going to see a lot of police deployed on beat patrols, on bicycles. We're going to continue to have our data-driven approach," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

On Thursday at Sherman Park, FOX6 News found evidence that someone tried to start a fire.

Sherman Park

"I think that's terrible because it takes away from the ones who want to play in the area and keep the area nice," Manns said.

Sherman Park

Police did say officers were initially called out to the park around 8:15 p.m. for a group of people lighting a trash can on fire.

That group cleared the park around 9:15 p.m. But officers were back on the scene in less than an hour for the large disturbance.

MPD is working to identify the people involved in this incident and is coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office and the Parks Department to ensure additional resources are deployed in the area.

Sherman Park