16 Arrests in 24 Hours in Sherman Park Neighborhood; Police Falsely Accused of Removing Sylville Smith Memorial

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police have their hands full when it comes to keeping order in the Milwaukee neighborhood where Sylville Smith was fatally shot by officers earlier this month.

Milwaukee Police received complaints from residents about disorderly groups gathering into the late-night hours since the August 13 fatal shooting of an armed suspect by Milwaukee Police.

Officers dispersed the crowd that had again gathered at about 8 p.m. Tuesday. While most in the crowd peacefully left in response to the officers’ requests, some chose not to and eleven individuals were ultimately arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.

At about 10 p.m. another group gathered near the scene and a confrontation ensued between a frustrated resident and the group, causing officers to again move in to disperse the disorderly crowd.

During this process, two individuals were arrested. Further investigation revealed one of the individuals was an elected official and the other a member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

These men were not among the elected officials and community leaders who had previously made themselves known to the officers, causing confusion. After being detained for several minutes, the two were ultimately released at the scene.

Milwaukee Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding these arrests to ensure proper procedures were followed.

Wednesday morning, a small group again gathered near 44th and Auer. After the group refused a resident’s request to leave her private property and created a disturbance, officers arrested three men for disorderly conduct. One was also arrested for resisting an officer.

The Milwaukee Police Department continues to join with Sherman Park neighbors, community groups, faith leaders, and elected officials calling for peace in the community and the disruptive, disorderly behavior to cease.

It should be noted that rumors about the Milwaukee Police Department’s efforts to remove the roadside memorial are completely false, police officials said.