Gunfire hits Milwaukee DPW work truck

Milwaukee City Worker Shot at Work

A Milwaukee city worker was shot at while inside his work truck, sparking a swift response from local authorities. The incident occurred on July 18 in broad daylight near 24th Place and Hope Avenue. Police later arrested 34-year-old Devin Buck, who has been charged with multiple felonies related to the shooting.

"I just heard the shots," said Evelyn Jones, a neighbor who lives nearby. "Pow, pow, pow." Multiple gunshots were reported in the area, causing alarm among residents.

According to the criminal complaint, a Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) employee noticed a blue Chevy Suburban circling the area and following his work truck. The worker told police that he saw the driver pull out a gun and fire approximately four rounds through an open passenger window of the vehicle. The bullets hit the back of the DPW work truck, flattening a tire. A neighbor showed WISN 12 News a bullet hole in her garage, with part of a bullet embedded in the wall.

"I was really shocked, especially when he told me that his truck had gotten hit," Jones said. "I didn't even know my garage had gotten hit." She added that she was outside speaking with the DPW worker just before the shooting.

"I thought about it. I mean, oh my God, I could have gotten hit. Look at the distance between my house and where I was standing, and where that shot went through the garage. So it is scary," Jones said. "I have Jesus on my side."

The next day, officers spotted the Suburban but it fled at approximately 70 mph in a posted 25 mph zone and disregarded several stop signs. Officers then went to the home where the truck was registered. A woman there said she loaned the car to Buck. Police arrested him on July 23, finding him in the same clothing he wore during the fleeing on July 19, which matched the shooter's description from July 18.

Neighbors on 24th Place expressed relief that no one was seriously hurt in the shooting. Mario Redmond, a local resident, said, "We need the city workers, so ain't no need for that. I don't see no reason to be trying to interact in any kind of violence with the city of Milwaukee workers. They're here to help all of us."

Court documents did not provide a motive for the shooting. Prosecutors have charged Buck with first-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, operating a motor vehicle to flee, and multiple counts of bail jumping.

In a statement to WISN 12 News, Milwaukee DPW Marketing and Communications Officer Tiffany Shepherd said, "We are deeply relieved that our employee was unharmed in this disturbing incident. Every day, our employees work hard to serve our city, and they should never have to fear for their safety while doing so. Every worker deserves a safe environment to perform their job. We are grateful to the Milwaukee Police Department for their swift action in apprehending the suspect."

Impact on the Community

The incident has left many in the community shaken. Residents like Evelyn Jones and Mario Redmond emphasize the importance of protecting public workers, who play a crucial role in maintaining the city's infrastructure and services.

Local leaders and officials have also called for increased safety measures for city workers. The Milwaukee Department of Public Works continues to focus on ensuring the well-being of its employees, who face daily challenges in serving the public.

As the legal process unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that such incidents will not happen again. The shooting serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by public servants and the need for continued support and protection for those who keep the city running smoothly.