David Cole Jr. pleads not guilty in shooting death of Charles Atlas

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- David Cole Jr., a man arrested in a fatal shooting earlier this month pleaded not guilty on Monday, August 26th.

Cole, Jr. of Milwaukee is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide ( party to a crime) and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. This, in connection to the shooting death of Charles Atlas on August 7th.

According to the criminal complaint, David Cole, Jr., Charles Atlas and two other individuals were involved in an altercation in the 7600 block of 78th St. near Calumet on Wednesday, August 7th.

The complaint indicates that Cole, Atlas and two other individuals traveled to the area together to confront other individuals who were allegedly harassing people they knew. During the altercation, shots were fired, and Atlas was struck in the upper shoulder region.

According to the criminal complaint, Cole claims he was not trying to shoot anyone, he was just firing into the air, because people on the "other side" began firing shots. During that time, Cole allegedly struck Atlas.

If convicted, Cole could face up to $25,000 in fines and 60 years in prison.