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Bay View street takeover
Courtesy of Taylor Minan, video shows a street takeover in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood that drew a police response late Saturday, April 25.
MILWAUKEE - A street takeover in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood drew a police response late Saturday, but officials say there is no evidence that shots were fired.
What we know:
Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said a group of cars and people gathered near Kinnickinnic and Lincoln for about 30 minutes before dispersing when Milwaukee police arrived.
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Dimitrijevic said she spoke with a Milwaukee Police Department captain, who confirmed fireworks — not gunfire — were reported during the incident.
Courtesy of Taylor Minan
The group moved around the area before breaking up, according to the alderwoman.
At some point, a "SlapStick" device was used, puncturing the tires of some vehicles involved in the takeover.
Dimitrijevic said she also spoke with the Milwaukee Fire Department chief, and investigators are working to determine whether the gathering is connected to a nearby house fire.
What they're saying:
"A lot of people were just swerving out of here really fast," said Cezilia Sepulveda, a bar manager in the area.
Neighbors said the noise and activity quickly escalated.
"We noticed a lot of engine noises and kind of screaming," said Ryan Beyerl, who lives nearby.
Sepulveda said the fireworks initially sounded like gunfire.
"At first I thought there were gunshots because of the fireworks. It was just all of the donuts, loud tires, just a lot of commotion," Sepulveda said. "I hope it doesn’t happen again."
Courtesy of Taylor Minan
Less than two hours later, the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to a building fire just feet from the same intersection.
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Beyerl said he watched the fire from a nearby rooftop and believes the two incidents may be connected.
"The fire started on the roof of the building, immediately after fireworks were being let off," Beyerl said. "There was a lot of panic, a lot of firefighters running back and forth."
Neighbors say they hope the neighborhood can return to normal.
"I just hope people can be more responsible and respectful of the communities in the future," Beyerl said.
Dig deeper:
Fire officials say they cannot yet confirm whether the incidents are related. The investigation could take several days.
Fatal house fire in Milwaukee Saturday, woman pronounced dead at scene
One person died in a house fire in Milwaukee on Saturday night, April 25.
The Source: Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic provided information and Taylor Minan provided video of the street takeover.