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MPD: 5-year-old girl shot near 49th and Meinecke
Milwaukee police said a 5-year-old girl was shot on the city's north side Sunday morning, July 24.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police said a 5-year-old girl was shot on the city's north side Sunday morning, July 24. She was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Police say she was seriously injured after shots were fired into a residence around 7:30 a.m.
A 29-year-old Milwaukee male was taken into custody and charges are expected in the coming days from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.
The senseless gunfire is upsetting to neighbors who say it’s happening too often.
"Just another sad story," said Prinston Cameron. "It’s always an unfortunate situation – especially a little girl, a child."
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Heartbreak loomed near 49th and Meinecke as police worked to piece together the shooting and determine what went wrong.
"What happened? Why? It’s senseless," said Cynthia Mathes. "It’s sad. It’s sad. It’s so sad. Children are innocent."
While the investigation spanned several streets, officers didn’t have to travel far to get there – it was just a block from Milwaukee Police District 3.
People near the scene worried about the girl’s condition, leaning on faith and hoping it does not happen again.
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"I pray. I pray for them. I give them my heart. I wish I could go there and help them. What can you do?" Mathes said. "I don’t know what can be done but something has to be done. Something has to be done. This has to stop."
In a statement, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said:
"I am extremely upset that a 5-year-old girl has been critically injured due to reckless behavior. There are indications the person responsible has a history of arrests, including domestic violence.
"This is precisely the type of person that I’ve consistently said should not have access to guns.
"I have been very clear that when someone causes death, harm or destruction in Milwaukee, they should be held accountable for their actions. I hold that same expectation in this horrifying incident."