Neighbors react to suspects opening fire on off-duty Milwaukee police officer

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee police officer and two people trying to break into a car exchanged fire early Tuesday morning in the Burnham Park neighborhood.

It happened just before 12:45. The off-duty officer heard the window break and went to investigate near the corner of 37th and Branting Lane.

Surveillance video showed him identifying himself as a Milwaukee police officer.

Shortly after, approximately a dozen shots are fired between the off-duty officer and the two individuals.

Watch: Surveillance video from 37th and Branting

Watch: Surveillance video from 37th and Branting

The Milwaukee Police Department said the individuals fired first and neither the suspects nor the officer were hit.

The two people fled the scene after the gunfire. A car can also be seen driving away in the surveillance video.

One of the unintended targets was Antonio Rivera’s apartment building. She was hit by a stray bullet while playing video games early in the morning.

Mike Beiermeister

“Honestly, it kind of scares me because I’ve already seen the car break-ins and everything, so on top of that it gives you more to worry about,” Rivera said.

Mike Beiermeister

TMJ4 News found another building across the street that was also hit by a stray bullet.

Rivera and other neighbors told TMJ4 News they’ve noticed an increase in car break-ins and vandalism in their neighborhood, especially in the past month.

Milwaukee Crime Data and Statistics Map: Crime Maps and Statistics (milwaukee.gov)

Fortunately, no one was hurt, but it left neighbors on edge as the violence escalated.

Mike Beiermeister

“That shouldn’t give you the right to throw blocks and try to hurt almost innocent people,” Rivera said.

Car break-ins and the resulting violence are part of a problem seen in the city.

Councilor JoCasta Zamarippa, who represents District 8, urged people to make a report so the police know what’s going on.

“We have to report every crime,” said Councilman Zamarippa. “Police keep that data and review it, and that helps tell them where they need to focus.”

Mike Beiermeister

Rivera and his neighbors just want to see less crime in their neighborhood and all of Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Police Department is still looking for the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.

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