Standoff Draws Unwelcome Spectators

While the result of last weekend's standoff in a Muskego neighborhood between police and a man who had reportedly brandished a weapon and threatened his family was a peaceful surrender by the suspect, police say that spectators created an unnecessary risk.

"I cannot, for the life of me, fathom why people feel the presence of numerous officers in their neighborhood, with firearms deployed, is a reason to sit out in the yard and gawk," said Lieutenant David Constantineau.  

The tactical situation on June 5 involved officers from multiple departments, as well as an armored vehicle to handle the situation. 

"I can tell you that we had a serious fear for the safety of officers and citizens, so much so that we were evacuating people from the area," explained Constantineau. "While our officers were trying to maintain positions of cover and safety to deal with a real threat to public safety, we had people parked in lawn chairs in their garages and lawns, watching it like it were an episode of COPS."

He also stated that someone went so far as to post something on Facebook, inviting people over to watch the police.

"Let me give you a hint: if officers are running with rifles from tree, to bush, to car, trying not to be seen, there is probably some real danger out there, and the last place you need to be is out there hosting a party on your lawn," Constantineau urged.  "Our officers had plenty to worry about during this situation.  The added gawkers and media who placed themselves in the direct line of fire only added to the danger of the situation, and created a situation whereby our officers had to not only worry about the threat they were facing, but the safety of all the onlookers."  

Constantineau added, "Your auto mechanic would never allow you to pull up a chair under your car while it is on the lift because, while remote, there is a chance the lift could fail, and you could be crushed.  He has to take that risk to do his job, but he will not allow you to take that same risk.  You can trust us to do our job and keep you safe."