"Not a happy person:" Brookfield police ID suspect in neighborhood feud that led to gunfire

BROOKFIELD -- Brookfield police have identified 76-year-old Hubert Smith as the man who allegedly shot and wounded two of his neighbors after a feud on Edwards Street near Greenfield Avenue on Sunday afternoon, October 25th.

Hubert Smith

The shooting left some who live nearby in shock, while others say they feared something like this might happen.

Smith is in custody at the Waukesha County Jail now. He is expected to face multiple criminal charges (including attempted murder) when he goes through intake court on Tuesday.

Smith was arrested on three counts of attempted first degree intentional homicide.

A neighbor and witness told FOX6 News that this shooting was sparked by a homeowner's bonfire. The feud flared up around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Police say the suspect fired five rounds from a revolver at the three victims/witnesses and three of the rounds struck two of the victims.  One of the victims, a 50-year-old man was shot twice. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Monday afternoon. The second victim, a 51-year-old man, was shot once -- and he is still at the hospital.

The wife of the victim who was shot twice, who didn't want to talk with FOX6 News on camera, says three neighbors were chatting as one raked some leaves. That's when Smith came out of his home and said something to the group -- before going back inside. He then came back out -- shooting.

The victim's wife says her husband was able to run down the block -- collapsing on his lawn. He has been released from the hospital, and his wife says he's in a lot of pain.

Officials say the firearm involved in this incident was recovered at the scene by detectives Sunday night after executing a search warrant at the suspect's residence.



There were previous incidents/complaints involving the suspect and his neighbors, officials say.

Neighbors say Smith recently called police on his neighbor for firing up a power tool early in the morning.

"The previous neighbors were afraid of him. He was very critical of the kids making noise and every little thing," Sharon Lawton said.

FOX6 News has learned that in 2012, Smith was arrested, and spent five days in jail -- accused of throwing punches and grabbing the neck of a Milwaukee County bus driver.

On Sunday, some neighbors watched as the man they stayed away from for years was led away by police.

"They told him to come out with his hands up and that," Sharon Lawton said.

"He's just had a lot of issues. Not a happy person," Kent Lawton said.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.