Bay View residents fight back against attacks in "Take Back the Night" event
BAY VIEW (WITI) -- Two weeks after a sexual assault in Bay View (the neighborhood's ninth in 18 months), residents, police and elected officials are making a very visible and loud statement in an event they called "Take Back the Night."
The goal of the event, held Monday night, August 26th is to get the man responsible for the attack arrested and prosecuted.
On the warm summer night, dozens, including Carolyn Selimi took to the streets to Bay View as one.
“We have diverse ethnicity. We have diverse socio-economic groups. So there, you’ll find almost everybody in Bay View," Selimi said.
For Many Bottomlee, Monday night's walk wasn't one to enjoy the seasonal weather. Instead, with signs in hand, it was a walk with an important message.
“To show them this is what we stand for and Bay View is in this together," Bottomlee said.
On August 12th, Bottomlee's neighbor was sexually assaulted in the southside neighborhood on Howell Avenue. No one has been caught.
“We should all feel safe walking around. We shouldn’t have to be worried about someone attacking you," Bottomlee said.
“My message to the person doing this is we will catch you. We have more eyes out now. Whether it’s tonight or any other night, we have neighborhood watches in Bay View. So we will catch this person," Selimi said.
“Any potential criminals out there, you want to commit a crime in this area, we’re very organized so we’re going to work with police to make sure you’re arrested, apprehended and furthermore, we’re going to go to court to make sure the judge throws the book at you as well," Alderman Tony Zielinski said.
It was the ninth attack in the last 18 months in the Bay View area. That is why Milwaukee police and Zielinski were on hand for Monday night's walk.
“I think it’s important to send a message that we work hand in hand with the Police Department," Zielinski said.
The walk began near the scene of the most recent attack on Howell, and ended at Sugar Maple on Lincoln.
“We’re working together and we’re not going to be assaulted and take it. We’re ready to put up the fight," Bottomlee said.
Those who took part in Monday night's event are hoping that this will help find the person responsible for the assault -- but also stress that Bay View is safe, and will remain that way as long as people remain committed to looking out for one another.