MILWAUKEE – From speeding cars and burnouts to fireworks and huge crowds, city leaders say they are tired of what’s being called “street takeovers” happening around Milwaukee.

What we know:

The Milwaukee Police Department told the Milwaukee Common Council on Thursday, May 22, they’ll be doing what’s called directed patrol missions. They want to see street takeovers stop and hold people accountable.

Leaders say these street takeovers are causing mayhem on the roads. The organized reckless driving meet-ups draw huge crowds as cars do burnouts. 

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The events are often fueled by social media.

What they’re saying:

“As a city, we cannot tolerate this. We can’t normalize this,” Common Council President Ald. José Pérez said. “Fireworks were going off. Spectators cheering as if it were a playoff game.”

On Thursday, the Common Council Public Safety Committee took on the issue, saying businesses and residents are frustrated by what they see as a lack of consequences for those involved.

“There’s not a place that this has not touched over the last couple of years,” Assistant Chief Craig Sarnow said. “So this is a challenge.”

Dig deeper:

For MPD’s directed patrol missions, five teams will be dedicated to the north side and five to the south side, along with two tow trucks to crack down on the takeovers and those involved.

MPD created a map of 52 locations where these takeovers are happening.

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“We’re hoping to make an example of someone that’s engaging in this so we can say to the public this will not be tolerated,” Capt. Phillip Simmert said.

Officials are trying to put the brakes on bad behavior and the chaos that goes along with it.

What you can do:

Officials said if you see street takeovers happening, call the police and report them so they can send officers there.

MILWAUKEE – An inmate died at the Milwaukee County Jail on Wednesday, May 21.

Medical emergency

What we know:

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said a 33-year-old man experienced a medical emergency Wednesday evening around 7:41 p.m.

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Around 7:41 p.m., the MCSO said a correctional officer conducting a housing unit inspection was alerted by an occupant that his cellmate appeared to be unconscious and in medical distress. The officer declared a medical emergency. 

Multiple officers and supervisors then responded and began lifesaving measures, including two Narcan deployments.

Dig deeper:

At about 7:51 p.m., emergency personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department arrived and continued lifesaving measures.

The man was pronounced deceased at 8:19 p.m.

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The MCSO said the man was booked into custody in late November on a single felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

What’s next:

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the in-custody death.

MILWAUKEE – Officials with the WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show held a news conference on Wednesday, May 21 where they will announce the entire updated 2025 schedule of performers, as well as other new event details & information, including info on the 2025 Navy Blue Angels.

Headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Teams, the 2025 Bank Air & Water Show will announce several new performers that have never flown the skies over the Milwaukee lakefront.

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In addition, they will have announcements about the all-new Robby Allen Water Show, and also details about the new lineup of vendors that will be at the Air & Water Show this year, providing event attendees with a great selection of food and beverage options!