Milwaukee Teens Arrested in West Allis Incident
A man and a teenager from Milwaukee have been arrested following an incident in West Allis, where they were involved in a series of crimes, including a carjacking, attempted vehicle break-ins, and a shooting. The suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, were apprehended by West Allis police after a morning of criminal activity that left local residents on high alert. The suspects’ actions escalated when shots were fired during an attempted car theft, though, fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
Early Morning Crimes and Gunfire
The events unfolded early Friday morning when residents in the West Allis neighborhood were awakened by the sound of gunshots. A local resident, Beaupre, discovered that a bullet had pierced the back of his vehicle. Beaupre, who was at home at the time, recounted that he heard around four to six gunshots and immediately looked outside to witness two suspects fleeing the scene. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the two teenagers were attempting to break into parked vehicles in the area.
Carjacking Leads to West Allis
The suspects had already been involved in a carjacking earlier that morning in Milwaukee before they arrived in West Allis to continue their crime spree. Police believe that after committing the carjacking, the duo drove the stolen vehicle to the West Allis neighborhood, where they began targeting additional vehicles in an attempt to steal them. Several residents reported that the suspects tried to break into parked cars before abandoning the stolen vehicle.
Chasing the Suspects
One of the victims, Ben Singleton, found himself directly involved in the chase after nearly becoming another target of the suspects. Singleton, who was sitting in his red Mazda near 67th Street and Hayes Avenue, was using his phone when the driver-side door of his vehicle suddenly opened. Realizing that someone was attempting to steal his car, Singleton quickly reacted by pursuing the suspects in his car. He followed them for several blocks before the suspects opened fire, shooting at him multiple times.
Shots Fired at Singleton
During the chase, the suspects fired at Singleton more than three times, with bullets hitting various parts of the vehicle. One of the shots went through an empty car seat, but fortunately, no one was hurt during the exchange of gunfire. Despite the danger, Singleton reflected on his decision to chase the suspects, stating that he felt a mix of regret and pride for taking action. “A little bit of both,” Singleton said, admitting that while it was a risky move, he felt compelled to do something.
The Arrest of the Suspects
After the suspects fired shots at Singleton, they abandoned the stolen vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. However, West Allis police quickly responded to the situation, and after a brief search, both suspects were apprehended. The arrests brought an end to the morning’s chaos, and the police confirmed that no additional suspects were being sought at this time. The investigation into the incident remains open, but authorities have assured the public that they are not looking for any more individuals involved in the crime.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The residents of the West Allis neighborhood have expressed relief that the suspects were apprehended and no one was seriously hurt in the incident. Beaupre, whose car was damaged by gunfire, shared his appreciation for the close-knit nature of the community, emphasizing that the neighborhood looks out for one another. “We protect each other. You know, we’re a family here,” Beaupre said, reflecting the strong sense of solidarity among the residents.
Despite the relief, the incident has left many in the area shaken, especially considering the close proximity of the gunfire to their homes. The West Allis police have urged residents to remain vigilant, reminding them that while the suspects are in custody, the case remains under investigation. Authorities have also advised residents to report any suspicious activity and to take precautions to secure their vehicles, as car thefts have been a growing concern in the area.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
As the investigation continues, West Allis police will be working to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in the carjacking and the attempted vehicle thefts. Both suspects, being minors, will face legal proceedings, and the charges against them are expected to include attempted theft, carjacking, and unlawful use of a firearm.
The West Allis incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the dangers that can arise from criminal activities like vehicle theft. Local authorities continue to encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, take precautions to secure their vehicles, and work together to ensure the safety of their neighborhoods.
