KENOSHA — The City of Kenosha is preparing for what could be an eventful week as the decision nears regarding potential charges filed against the officer who shot Jacob Blake.
Since this summer, many businesses kept up their boarded windows and doors in Kenosha. 133 days later, TMJ4 News notices more boarding, as everyone prepare learn the fate of Kenosha police officer Rustin Sheskey.
Kenosha Police also announced precautionary safety measures. A decision regarding the shooting is expected within the first two weeks of January.
They said the department’s goal will be to protect peaceful protesting and guard against illegal activities like vandalism.
Business owner Anthony Perrine says he’s hoping for the best.
He runs Lou Perrine’s Gas and Groceries in Kenosha – the family-owned store has been around since the 50’s, experiencing a lot in Kenosha, including this summer's unrest. Most of it happened right up the road.
“I’ve never seen a year like this. You can’t prepare for a year like this. It just happens,” Perrine said.
Perrine said he remembers seven straight days of protecting his buisiness, while also helping anyone who needed aid. He said his business is a melting pot and a resource to everyone, no matter what you believe in or look like.
“I always envisioned our store as a meeting place where everyone comes together,” Perrine said.
No matter what decision ultimately comes out of the Jacob Blake shooting incident, one way or another, he doesn’t expect to see burning buildings because he believes, and is hoping for the best for Kenosha and its people.
“My community. This community we love so much is not what we saw in national news for a whole month,” Perrine said.
Monday Jacob Blake Sr. will speak and lead a march continuing the push for his goal. The goal for him, he said, is seeing that Officer Sheskey is fired, charged and convicted for the shooting in August.
