Police release video of 'rotten individual' who stole money during fundraiser for fallen officer

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police need your help identifying a suspect accused of stealing money from Sobelman's Pub and Grill near 16th and W. St. Paul Avenue.

It happened Saturday, Aug. 4, around 7:30 p.m., during a fundraiser for fallen Officer Michael Michalski, who died after he was shot by a wanted suspect near 28th and Wright on June 25. $1 from every burger sold at Sobelman's would go to Officer Michalski's family. They ended up raising $1,300.

The owner believes Sobelman's was targeted because the suspect knew there would be a lot of people there, and a lot of money.

"A rotten individual. We were holding a fundraiser for Officer Michalski," said Dave Sobelman.

Police say this suspect entered the business through an open door, and then pried open the door to a locked office space -- removing hundreds of dollars in cash and "barter money."

"He sits down. He stands for many a second or two, not knowing what to do," said Sobelman.

Sobelman said at first, an employee questioned why he was near the office.

"He used the excuse that he was upstairs looking for a bathroom," said Sobelman.

Sobelman said $1,500 in money and gift cards was taken. He noted that it was *not* the money gathered for the Michalski family, but rather, profits from their other locations. It wasn't until he returned from the emergency room around 9:30 p.m., after cutting his leg, that the crime was discovered.

"I'd love to catch this guy," said Sobelman.

The suspect has been described as a male, black, standing 6' tall and weighing 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap with a yellow logo on the visor, a red T-shirt, white shorts and black shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.