'Absolutely false:' Mayor's office responds to alderman's claims he interfered in Sterling Brown case

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's chief of staff on Tuesday, Jan. 30 released a statement in response to a statement from Alderman Bob Donovan suggesting that Mayor Barrett "interfered" in the case involving Milwaukee Bucks' rookie Sterling Brown.

"It's unfortunate it did escalate and it's up to the department to deal with that effectively. The mayor has no business sticking his nose into it," Alderman Donovan told FOX6 News on Tuesday.

Brown was arrested on Friday, Jan. 26 and a Taser was used on him, after police said around 2 a.m., they encountered a vehicle parked across two disability parking spaces at the Walgreens store near 27th and National.

Sources said officers were writing a parking ticket for Brown when Brown confronted them and became combative. He was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest. At least six police squads showed up to the store during this incident, which was captured by surveillance cameras at a nearby business.

Mayor Barrett told FOX6 News on Sunday no charges would be filed.

"I've talked to Peter Feigin, the president of the Milwaukee Bucks. I've also talked to the MPD. My understanding is that no charges are going to be filed. It's also my understanding that an investigation is in place right now," Barrett said on Sunday.

Police on Monday said an internal review was completed and MPD "determined the case will not be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for charges."

According to police, "a command-level review of relevant reports and body camera footage indicate that Mr. Brown’s actions and behavior do not merit a criminal charge.  Furthermore, the department is reviewing the police response including supervisory oversight.  The matter has been referred to MPD Internal Affairs for investigation and at the completion of that investigation the findings will be made public and the body worn camera footage will be released."

An MPD spokesman confirmed for FOX6 News on Tuesday Brown did receive a parking citation in connection with this incident.

"I was contacted and my sources telling me the mayor viewed the body camera footage and the police reports and ordered this individual should not be charged," Donovan said.

Alderman Bob Donovan said the following in a statement Tuesday:

In response, Mayor Barrett's Chief of Staff Patrick Curley said this in a statement:

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn released this statement: