MPD search for suspect in basketball court shooting



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Police are searching for a suspect who shot a teen on the basketball court outside of a school on the city's north side.  It happened Monday night, April 22nd outside of Thurston Woods Campus on 35th and Florist.

“It was just a group of kids outside playing basketball, enjoying the weather and then we just heard gunshots,” said Tia Simone, who lives across the street.

She said it is normal to see teens playing basketball on the courts on school property, but what happened Monday night was something that hasn't happened before.

“It was over 15-20 kids outside.  One of them got hit.  The one that got hit ran,” said Simone.

“I just know it was like 1 or 2 shots,” said Lashelle Tatum, who also lives across the street.

Investigators say a 19-year-old man was shot after an argument broke out over who was going to use the basketball court next.  A male suspect fired a handgun, striking the teen.

“He's doing alright.  He's at home right now,” said Dametria Ammonds.

Ammonds knows the victim, who was treated and released from the hospital a short time after.  She also has a young daughter who goes to the K4 through 8th grade school.

“My child was outside, but we left like an hour before it happened, so I'm kind of glad of that.  It's just unsettling,” she said.

Although the shooting happened after school hours and those involved are not students of the school, several parents like her are now concerned about safety since no one is in custody.

“I don't want to have to worry about my kids playing on the school ground, you know, let alone playing outside their own door,” said Simone.

“Hopefully they find them.  If not, I just hope it don't happen over here, again,” said Ammonds.

A spokesman with Milwaukee Public Schools says school officials have notified parents of the incident and they have taken steps to make sure students remain safe, although no specifics have been given.