Chief Flynn: "Help us save a life" by turning in those with illegal guns

RAW VIDEO: Mayor Barrett makes plea to community on illegal guns

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn made an impassioned plea during a news conference on Thursday, April 10th to get illegal guns off the streets.

The news conference was prompted by the non-fatal shooting of a two-year-old boy near 4th and Keefe late Wednesday. The child was inside of a home when shots were fired outside, penetrated the walls of the home and struck the child in the back. The child is being treated at a hospital.

Mayor Barrett said it is time for the citizens of Milwaukee to "step up and help out our police department." He said if anyone knows people with illegal guns, they need to turn those people in. "If you have a son, if you have a neighbor, a boyfriend who cannot legally own a gun," Barrett urged them to turn those people in to the police department.

RAW VIDEO: Chief Flynn talks about illegal guns in Milwaukee

Chief Flynn says the shooting of the child is a "tragic and horrific" situation. He indicated the department's investigation shows the shooting may have nothing to do with the family affected by the gunfire; it may be a circumstance of someone retaliating against someone who they believed was in the house that was fired upon.

Chief Flynn said between 80 and 85 percent of victims of crime have criminal records themselves. He also said more than 90 percent of suspects have criminal records.

Flynn is calling upon legislators and Gov. Scott Walker to take action and beef up the penalty for having a gun illegally.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.