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Four in custody after `freeway shootout` that closed I-43 SB: “About as brazen as it comes”
Four in custody after `freeway shootout` that closed I-43 SB: "About as brazen as it comes"
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Sheriff's officials say a man was injured in a "freeway shootout" on I-43 that led to a complete closure of I-43 southbound near Fond du Lac Avenue. The freeway was reopened around 2:30 p.m.
The freeway was closed Fond du Lac Avenue to just north of Becher -- leading to heavy delays. We're told shell casings and bullet fragments were recovered on the freeway.
Sheriff's officials say deputies responded to calls about a shooting on the freeway in the Marquette Interchange near Highland Avenue around 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, December 9th.
More than a dozen shots were fired into a vehicle in an "exchange of gunfire" with another vehicle.
A man was grazed by a bullet. Officials say he was driving a rental vehicle, and stopped near 10th and Walker.
Deputies recovered a weapon and arrested the driver and a male passenger.
Freeway shootout -- vehicle riddled with bullets
Sheriff's officials say a total of four people are in custody.
The Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigation Division responded to a total of four separate scenes Wednesday -- where four vehicles were determined to be potentially involved in this incident.
Milwaukee police initiated a traffic stop near 17th and State on a vehicle with bullet damage -- and two of four occupants were arrested after a foot chase. Milwaukee police said two other suspects were being sought.
Scene at 17th and State
Ruthie Prisco lives near 17th and State, and says her friend had a close call while walking to class as a vehicle sped through the Marquette University neighborhood.
"If she had been a step closer to the street, she could have been hit. She said it was very scary," Prisco said.
A subject abandoned a stolen vehicle in the Marquette Interchange -- and fled on foot.
Sheriff's officials say it's not yet known if he is involved in the shooting incident.
Deputies did find drugs in the vehicle.
A fourth vehicle's tire was blown out by a bullet, and the driver exited on Plankinton Avenue.
All of the vehicles involved were towed -- taken into custody as evidence.
"I want these individuals to be sent to prison for a long time, a long time -- because this is about as brazen as it comes," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. "It's a horrible, horrible example of individuals who are so brazen in their criminality that it almost defies logic."
I-43 SB closed at Fond du Lac Avenue due to "freeway shootout"
Anyone who witnessed any of this is asked to contact the Milwaukee County Dispatch Center at 414-278-4788.