Tough decisions ahead: Owners of torched BP gas station consider whether to rebuild

MILWAUKEE -- As the sun set on Tuesday, August 16th, it was clear to those in and around the Sherman Park neighborhood that things were far different from the last few nights. In fact, there has barely been a presence by the Milwaukee Police Department -- and only a handful of sheriff's deputies stood at guard at Sherman Park.

BP gas station at Sherman & Burleigh

On Tuesday night, the owners of the BP gas station that was torched returned to their business. They made their way through a blackened, charred mess.

"Honestly, he didn't see it coming -- and his world has been flipped upside down," said a family member of the owner.

A family member spoke because the owner himself is too devastated to talk. His attorney, Vincent Bobot, said his client now fears for his safety with his future unclear.

"He thought he was part of the neighborhood.  Now that's been taken away from him," Bobot said.

BP gas station at Sherman & Burleigh

In the last month, the owner fired his own son after the clerk fired a gun into the air -- this, after a group of teens tried to get into the store. A boycott of the gas station lasted several days before the two sides made amends.

The owner and his family thought their troubles were behind them -- until this.

BP gas station at Sherman & Burleigh

"They are going to have a decision to make.  Does he rebuild the location at the existing location and what does that mean for the future of his business?" Bobot said.

Sometimes, it is when we feel we have lost all hope that we are given a sign. The family is hopeful their lives can be rebuilt moving forward.

The family indicated it does not need any help right now. They are working it out through insurance -- and weighing their options for the future.