Milwaukee officer shot; Cesar Chavez and Scott on city's south side
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee police officer was shot and wounded late Sunday, May 5 near Cesar Chavez and Scott on the city's south side.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said shortly before 11 p.m. on Sunday, a suspect fired shots that struck an officer near Cesar Chavez and Scott. Officers did not return fire and no one else was struck.
Milwaukee police officer shot, wounded near Cesar Chavez and Scott
The officer who was wounded is a 29-year-old man who has served more than a year of service with the department. He suffered non-fatal injuries – and was treated and released Sunday night.
"So we are again, just, very disappointing in regards to some of the individuals within our city who do that, take this, type of moment to really just enjoy themselves, enjoy the company of each other," said Chief Norman.
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Three persons of interest are in police custody – and investigators have recovered two firearms at the scene.
Chief Norman said it is unclear if the shooting was targeted or not. He then addressed the shooting not far from where he spoke about a shooting in the same area one year ago.
"Firing celebratory gunfire for any event is unacceptable," the chief said. "Cinco de Mayo. This is an event for the, we are trying to celebrate culture, family. We want to, under the history. And here we are dealing with violence in a senseless manner, where we don't understand the reasoning of having the use of firearms, especially in a reckless manner, when there should be a celebration about freedom and independence. This is something our community does not want. This is something that we cannot tolerate within our city."
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MPD also issued the following statement:
"We want to thank the Milwaukee Fire Department for providing prompt medical attention to our officer.
"The Milwaukee Police Department sends our thoughts and prayers to our officer and wish him a speedy recovery. We are very proud of all the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department that showed great professionalism."
Anyone with any more information on this incident is urged to contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app.
One year ago
This is the second year in a row in which there has been a shooting involving police officers during Cinco de Mayo – and at Cesar Chavez and Scott.
On May 5, 2023, Officers were trying to disperse the crowd when several people started firing shots.
Milwaukee police shooting near Cesar Chavez and Scott, 2 wounded
Milwaukee police shot two people near Cesar Chavez and Scott on the city's south side late on Friday after police say multiple people started firing when officers tried to disperse crowds.
Police said officers encountered a Greenfield man, 22, who was firing shots. A male officer, 33, with seven-plus years of service gave several commands to drop the gun before shooting the Greenfield man, who was taken to the hospital. Police said his handgun was recovered.
At roughly the same time, another male officer, 40, with seven-plus years of service, encountered a Milwaukee boy, 17, who was armed. Police said that officer ordered the boy to stop before shooting him. The boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Police said his handgun was recovered.
The officers were cleared in those shootings.
Reaction
Forward Latino National President Darryl Morin
"On behalf of Forward Latino, our members, and affiliates, I want to thank the Milwaukee Police Department for their immediate response to the senseless violence that took place on May 5, 2024, on Milwaukee’s Southside. We send our deepest appreciation to the wounded officer for his service, and we pray for his full and swift recovery.
"Cinco de Mayo is a holiday we celebrate for its historical significance. We also use the holiday to introduce people of different races and ethnicities to Hispanic culture. This year in our invitation for all to come and "enjoy our food, our drink, and learn our culture" we included a message encouraging all to "#CelebrateSafe." Unfortunately, this year there were individuals who came and consciously chose to participate in a physical attack which then led to shots being fired, and a Milwaukee Police Department officer shot and wounded. These actions have nothing to do with the celebration of the holiday or Hispanic culture. These actions do nothing but destroy individual lives and those of their families, in addition to hurting and damaging communities.
"Milwaukee’s Southside is known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent cuisine, quality entertainment and richness of culture. We invite everyone to continue to come, explore and enjoy everything Milwaukee’s Southside has to offer.
"I thank all in our community for celebrating safe and encourage everyone from across Milwaukee to celebrate the upcoming holidays in a way that uplifts our neighborhoods and those who live in them."