Milwaukee's law enforcement community is facing scrutiny after one of its own, Vashaun Young, a five-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, was charged with a felony. The allegation relates to him discharging a firearm in close proximity to a school and residential homes while off duty on March 20, 2022. According to a statement obtained by the Journal Sentinel, the incident was captured in an 11-second video which showed Young driving and shooting toward two homes in the 2300 block of West Burleigh Street.
The video, timestamped 2:36 a.m., depicted Young allegedly firing two rounds while driving past these homes, with the NOVA School/COA Youth Center and Family Center nearby. Despite being a beacon of safety for children, it was fortunate that the institution was not open at the time of this temerarious act. As reported by WTMJ, prosecutors have charged Young with Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Violent Crime in a School Zone, a Class F Felony, which could potentially lead Young to face up to 17 years and six months in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Young, who has been suspended but not arrested, admitted to his presence in the video and to presumably having discharged the weapon.
Young, age 36, was at the time of the incident assigned to District 7. The cellphone footage that brought these events to light was obtained by a detective in March 2023, triggering the investigation that led to these charges. In that grainy night's evidence, Young's apparent nonchalance was captured; prosecutors noted that he "did not appear to be looking in the direction of his gunfire," and proceeded to sing after firing the shots. The Journal Sentinel's report detailed the indictment stemming from this examination of evidence.
Public response and concern have been heightened, given the potential jeopardy to public safety. The proximity to the NOVA School has grave implications for community trust in its stewards of public safety. WISN's coverage highlighted that the charges Young faces specifically include endangerment within a school zone—a designation evoking a stark irony not lost on a community expectant of protection, especially in areas designed to safely nurture its youngest members.
