News

Actions

Police make several arrests in Sherman Park Tuesday night

Posted at 9:45 PM, Aug 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-31 17:42:59-04

MILWAUKEE -- About 10 people were arrested in Sherman Park Tuesday night "for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer," police say.

Police say that they asked a crowd of about 30-40 people gathered near 44th and Auer -- near the memorial for Syville Smith -- to leave at about 8:00 p.m., after receiving "complaints" and observing unspecified "violations of the law."

After about 20 minutes, the crowd was once again asked to leave. Some left, but police say they began to make arrests after others refused to leave and became disorderly.

One elected official at the scene said he disagrees with how Milwaukee police handled the situation. State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff said he was out there with faith leaders when he was detained.
 
"I was in the squad car. I heard people outside of the car say 'he's an elected official,'" Brostoff said. "They came in the car, took me out and confirmed I was an elected official."
 
Police eventually let Brostoff go.

Harold Fitzhugh lives a few houses away from the growing memorial for Smith. He says every day he sees police patrolling the area and a lot of nights people gather around the memorial.

The Vietnam Vet wants to see his neighborhood return to normal.

"We want to get together and live in peace, not in violence," he said.

Dorthy McFarland also lives in the neighborhood. She's lived near 44th street for 11 years. She thinks the memorial for Syville Smith should be moved.

"Yes, I want to see it moved. He's gone, he's not coming back. I hate it, and I'm sorry, but he's not coming back. I don't know why they keep gathering down there." she said.

Police say they are continuing to patrol the area.