Tactical situation ends on Milwaukee's north side: kidnapping suspect found dead



18th and Center tactical situation



MILWAUKEE -- A suspect was found dead and two people were rescued, ending a hostage situation on Milwaukee's north side Saturday afternoon, March 10. It all began when two people were kidnapped a day earlier.

The suspect who died has been identified as Persey Morgan, 34.

It started around 5 a.m. Friday morning, March 9.  Investigators say three men barged into a home near 60th and Port Ave.

"These three armed gunmen kidnapped an adult male and an adult female from that residence," said Alfonso Morales, MPD interim chief.

From there, investigators say the suspects took the man and woman to a home near 56th and Hampton.

"After ransacking that residence, the adult male was left behind after. Shots were fired, leaving that subject for dead," said Morales.

18th and Center tactical situation



18th and Center tactical situation



Alfonso Morales



The man survived, as the gunman took the woman to 18th and Center.

Police arrived at the home around 6:30 p.m. Friday night. Two of the gunmen were arrested and the victims were taken to safety.

"The victim, who is suffering from injuries consistent with being beaten, and a child was removed from that residence," said Morales.

One gunman remained inside the home. Police say the suspect refused to surrender. An armored vehicle and officers remained on the scene. The tactical situation continued until Saturday afternoon.

18th and Center tactical situation



18th and Center tactical situation



18th and Center tactical situation



"We are aware the suspect is armed with several firearms. One of those is an assault rifle," said Morales.

Police worked for hours along with the suspect's family, trying to get him out, but he was found inside the home deceased Saturday afternoon.

Police say the situation is believed to be drug-related. Officials are working to determine the suspect's cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing.

18th and Center tactical situation Sunday morning, March 10