Man charged in playground shooting that injured little girl; witness reports 20 gunshots



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- An 18-year-old man has been officially charged in connection with a shooting incident that left a 10-year-old girl seriously injured.

Sylvester Lewis



18-year-old Sylvester Lewis is facing 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.



The criminal complaint against Lewis indicates Sierra Guyton was shot in the head -- and was left unconscious and suffered brain damage. She was found lying face down on the pavement when police arrived on scene.

The criminal complaint indicates police spoke with an adult citizen witness -- who told them prior to the shooting, she observed Lewis in the area of 39th and Lloyd -- where he had asked her for a ride, but she refused to give him one.

The witness told police she then observed Lewis had a silver semi-automatic handgun in his possession. The witness told police she had seen Lewis with the same handgun the day before -- when he had shot at a vehicle, according to the complaint.

The witness told police she went to a friend's house near 28th and Clarke -- where she saw Lewis riding a mountain bike. The witness told police she said "hello" to Lewis -- but he did not respond, according to the complaint.

The complaint says the witness told police she later saw Lewis firing the handgun as he was riding the bicycle past the playground -- firing towards the playground, according to the witness.

The witness told police she heard approximately 20 gunshots -- before Lewis fled the scene, according to the complaint.

This witness was able to positively identify Lewis as the man she saw firing the handgun towards the playground on May 21st.

He was interviewed by police regarding the incident on May 21st.

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.

According to police, 18-year-old Lewis has been arrested 15 times by the Milwaukee Police Department during his young life -- and is a convicted felon.

Police say three other individuals were arrested when Lewis was picked up — for aiding a felon.

They are a 20-year-old Milwaukee man, and two women — ages 45 and 20.

These three additional individuals arrested will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for charges.

A relative of Sierra Guyton on Wednesday, May 28th updated FOX6 on the little girl's condition.

She is said to be in stable condition -- and has been taken off some medication.

She has moved her eyes, but for the most part, remains unresponsive.

CLICK HERE to read a collection of stories related to the shooting of 10-year-old Sierra Guyton via FOX6Now.com.