Southside Kochanski's Concertina Bar Owner Kills Suspected Armed Robber

Andy Kochanski

Photo: Facebook

Three robbers, two of them armed walked into the Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall to hold it up, one suspect ends up dead and two escaped from the crime scene.

By H. Nelson Goodson

August 16, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, three suspects, two armed walked into Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall at 1920 S. 37th Street and attempted to rob the Polish bar around midnight. When the owner, Andy Kochanski pulled out a gun and fatally shot a 23-year-old suspect who was trying to rob the bar. The other two suspects then fled the scene without exchanging fire, according to Milwaukee Police spokesperson Lt. Mark Stanmeyer.

Kochanski claims he was protecting two patrons and himself at the bar. On Friday, he posted on his bar's Facebook (FB) page, that he had to do what he did and would do it again to protect his customers.

"I would like to state that I did what I had to do to protect my customers and myself. I have no regrets and would do it again if need be. PLEASE do not let this keep you from having a great time here. PLEASE do not let this tarnish this neighborhood. This could and has happened anywhere. You should ALWAYS feel safe here. Andy Kochanski"

His FB page generated support from followers and friends.

Kochanski confirmed that he will be open on Friday.
State Rep. Joshua Zepnick (D-9th Dist.) on Friday posted on his FB, "Andy is a friend and I've had fundraising events at Kochanski's which is in my District, at least one of these losers will no longer be threatening innocent customers of a neighborhood business. Milwaukee, do not let these things slow you down or stop spending in our city, together we can stop the violence and eliminate fear."
On December 2008, another attempted robbery at the bar resulted with one patron shot in the buttocks. He survived. 

Several masked men walked into the bar with a shotgun and a gun during a Christmas party and fired at Kochanski at the bar. Kochanski pulled out his loaded Glock .45 and began to shoot at the suspects. The suspects fired back, but fled the scene, according to the police report.