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51st and Capitol folo
51st and Capitol folo
51st and Capitol
MILWAUKEE -- Video of a scuffle between several Milwaukee police officers and a mentally ill man is sparking debate among city leaders. It happened Wednesday, May 2 near 51st and Capitol.
The suspect and four officers all had to be taken to the hospital after the fight. Police were originally called to the scene after a woman reported the suspect kicked her door and wasn't acting like himself. When officers arrived, he refused to listen to their commands and that's when things got out of control.
51st and Capitol
Milwaukee police body camera footage depicts a man identified by relatives as 25-year-old Demitrius Lowe, punching several officers. Witness cellphone video shows what happened when Lowe was finally on the ground. They're seen hitting him with the clubs and kicking him.
***WARNING: Video may be disturbing to some viewers***
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MPD body camera footage of 51st and Capitol incident
MPD body camera footage of 51st and Capitol incident
"Any use of force is dictated by subject," said Mike Crivello with the Milwaukee Police Association.
Mike Crivello with the police union, urges the public not to rush to judgement. He says a supervisor did not allow the officers to check out Tasers for their shift the day of the incident, which could have been used right away to get the suspect under control.
51st and Capitol
"There was holsters that he was looking to recoup and he hadn't yet got them," Crivello said. "He then made the choice that then nobody gets a Taser until I get these holsters back."
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales has placed three officers on administrative duty, a fourth is facing more serious scrutiny.
Below is cellphone video captured by viewers:
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RAW VIDEO: Altercation near 51st and Capitol
RAW VIDEO: Altercation near 51st and Capitol
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51st and Capitol (viewer video from Alejandro Allen)
51st and Capitol (viewer video from Alejandro Allen)
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Viewer video of 51st & Capitol incident
Viewer video of 51st & Capitol incident
"One is on adminitrative suspension based on the actions that were seen on the video to be further investigated," said Morales.
The video is also sparking debate at City Hall.
In statements released Friday, Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan says, he's impressed with the restraint the officers showed.
Read Donovan's full statement below:
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey wrote a statement.
Read it below:
Crivello says, eventually officers from a different district brought Tasers to the scene. The four officers have been released from the hospital. The suspect remains hospitalized.