An unidentified man and a Milwaukee Housing Authority Public Safety officer got into an altercation just after a fire alarm went off at the Mitchell Court apartments.
By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
July 2, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On early Saturday, just after 2:00 a.m., a 40-year-old unidentified man and a unidentified Milwaukee Housing Authority Public Safety (MHAPS) officer got into an altercation just after a fire alarm was pulled. The unidentified security officer with the housing authority wasn't armed with a side arm, which apparently none of the officers with the Milwaukee Housing Authority are allowed to carry side arms for self protection and work alone.
The unidentified man was able to throw soda and use a trash can open metal lid to attack the officer who was injured in the face and arms.
It took at least more than 8 minutes for Milwaukee police to respond to the incident when a 911 call was placed. A Milwaukee Fire Department first responder EMS ambulance arrived first at the scene before police arrived.
The unidentified man had left with another male minutes before police arrived at the scene. When police were talking to the MHAPS officer, the man who had an altercation with the officer happened to return and was taken into custody by police at the corner in the 2600 block of W. National Ave.
The man was also suffering from injuries as well and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Also, a call was placed to the Housing Authority Public Safety number and when the caller attempted to say that a public safety officer needed assistance from other officers, the operator said, "Call the police" and disconnected the call. A 911 call had already been place to the local police, but police hadn't arrived yet.
According to phone records, the 911 call was placed at 2:37 a.m. and the Milwaukee Housing Authority Public Safety call was placed at 2:45 a.m. when the operator disconnected the call.
According to the police and Milwaukee Fire Department bloggers, police responded to subject with a weapon at 2:51 a.m. and the Milwaukee Fire Department EMS responded at 2:46 a.m.
The injured man who was being treated in an ambulance yelled out, "I going to jail for defending myself."
It is not known how the altercation between the MHAPS officer and the man ignited.
As a safety measure for residents at the Mitchell Court apartments, more bright outside lighting has been added and the South exit walkway has been blocked by a gate.
The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) has also announced that more police officers will be added to respond to troubled neighborhoods where a high crime is reported. The MPD press release mentions 7 targeted areas in Milwaukee, but only one the Muskego Way, a Southside neighborhood is mentioned, which the Clarke Square Neighborhood where the Mitchell Court apartments are located will not be included in the new police initiative.
According to the MPD press release, on July 1, 2022, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) launched a new initiative to address gun violence, Operation Summer Guardian. Prior to launching, MPD convened a group of community stakeholders to inform them of the initiative, obtained feedback and created a forum for follow-up to ensure our efforts best support the neighborhoods we are serving.
The Milwaukee Police Department uses technology that pinpoints locations of gunfire. A recent review of data collected reveals that there is a disproportionate amount of gunfire activations in specific areas of the city. Based on this data-driven analysis, there will be an increased police presence to address the firearm related violence in the following eight neighborhoods:
• Franklin Heights
• Metcalfe Park
• Muskego Way
• Old North Milwaukee
• Sherman Park
• St. Joseph
• Uptown
• Washington Park
These seven neighborhoods account for 12% of all gunfire activations in the city and 10% of all firearm related homicides. The deployment areas may be adjusted based on data driven analysis.
The Milwaukee Police Department's response and enforcement strategies will be consistent with the standards of Constitutional Policing and guided by MPD's Code of Conduct. Officers engaged in Operation Summer Guardian attended special training to ensure compliance with the Collins settlement agreement.
The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with the community and other stakeholders to make our neighborhoods safe. We are better together!, according to the MPD press release.
Update: On July 3, 2022, Desean L. Dowell, 29, was charged with one felony count for substantial battery - intend bodily harm and use of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, Dowell is facing 3 years and 6 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. He is also facing up to 5 additional years for use of a dangerous weapon. A $500 cash bond was set for Dowell, according to court records.
