A quiet New Berlin neighborhood woke up to a crime scene Friday after a pre-dawn fire ripped through Biwer Park, destroying the playground’s merry-go-round and scorching part of the nearby basketball court. The New Berlin Fire Department knocked down the flames, and officials reported no injuries. Neighbors had called 911 after spotting the fire and a person in the park.
Investigation details
The New Berlin Police Department says officers were dispatched to Biwer Park around 4:40 a.m. after multiple neighbors reported a blaze and witnesses said they saw a man carrying a gas can. When officers arrived, the merry-go-round was fully engulfed. Fire crews from the New Berlin Fire Department put out the flames, but the playground equipment was destroyed and the basketball court was left with minor damage.
According to police, the 19-year-old suspect is accused of starting the fire using a series of Molotov cocktails and was taken into custody at the scene, as reported by FOX6 News Milwaukee.
Damage and city records
The City of New Berlin describes Biwer Park as a neighborhood green space with a playground, hiking trails and an outdoor basketball court, according to the City of New Berlin facilities listing. The city’s capital improvement plan includes past and planned projects at Biwer Park, including budget items tied to the basketball court. Those public records indicate the city already has a process in place for evaluating and repairing damaged park equipment after incidents like this.
Next steps
Police say the investigation is still underway. The arrested man remains in custody while detectives continue to review evidence and follow up on witness statements. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or detailed any formal charges as of the latest update. For the initial account of the arrest and scene, see FOX6 News Milwaukee.
