Recognize him? ATF, MPD officials seek suspect after arson of BP gas station during unrest

MILWAUKEE -- Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Milwaukee Police Department have released photos and video of a suspect who may be responsible for arson to the BP gas station during the unrest in August in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood.

The BP gas station, located at 3113 N. Sherman (near Sherman and Burleigh) was one of eight commercial businesses set ablaze during the riots, according to the ATF.

The unrest in Milwaukee took place after the fatal officer-involved shooting of Sylville Smith near 44th and Auer on August 13th.

PHOTO GALLERY

FOX6 News spoke with the owner of the BP gas station one week after the fire. He said he lost nearly everything.

Pakhar Singh

"In the Sherman Park area, I've been there 10 years. The whole neighborhood is just like my own family.  We really love each other.  I know all the neighborhood, block by block, each side. They are all sad," Pakhar Singh said.

"Sherman Park -- that used to be a good neighborhood and I grew up around the neighborhood and it's usually these young dudes because they don't know anything better," David Rowland said.

The fire caused nearly $600,000 worth of damage to the gas station. Millions worth of damage was done to the neighborhood.

"He deserves to be caught. He deserves to be caught -- no doubt," Rowland said.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (283-3473) or the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360.

Tips may also be submitted through the mobile “ReportIt” app.

The app is free, easy to use and can be installed on any mobile device. In the app, choose "ATF - Anonymous Tip Line" and your tip will be confidentially sent directly to the local ATF office.