MILWAUKEE — Rodney Surprise, 46, was dragged from his car and attacked at a Milwaukee gas station. He was left in the parking lot, as the people responsible for the crime took off in his car.
It happened late Tuesday night at the Petro Mart on South Chase Avenue near West Lincoln Avenue on the city's south side.
Surprise was rushed to the hospital but died from his injuries Wednesday. His family tells TMJ4 that police found his car with all four tires gone. They are devastated, and want whoever did this to be caught and punished.
Milwaukee Police are investigating, and do not have anyone in custody for his death. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips.
TMJ4 News spoke with a witness who wanted to remain anonymous.
“I saw two or three men drag him out of his car,” he said. “They beat him, took his money and his car. They left him unresponsive in the parking lot. It was an unnecessary act that shouldn’t have happened.”
Less than a block away, Roberto Villafuentes is working to build up this neighborhood. He opened Nueva Bakery on West Lincoln Avenue, at 5th Street last year.
“This building was closed for a long time and I always noticed it and thought it would be a good spot,” said Villafuentes. “I have experience working at bakeries. I decided to rent the space and bring a family bakery to this area. My dream came true.”
But crime and violence are dampening that dream.
Roberto, his wife and three children are at Nueva Bakery in the early morning and often late at night, baking everything from scratch.
“My kids are often with me here,” said Villafuentes. “I don’t want dangerous things happening near them. I want this community to come together and help each other. Stop all this negative stuff.”
Others who live in this area say a few negative influences are ruining it for people trying to do the positive. This neighborhood stands in the shadow of the Basilica of St. Josaphat. It is full of families and kids, refusing to lose faith in this south side community.
