A tense picnic argument at Milwaukee's Lake Park escalated into gunfire Saturday evening when a woman fired two shots through the open sunroof of her car while her child sat inside, according to deputies. No one was hurt, and investigators later tracked the vehicle through its registration before taking the woman into custody.
Milwaukee County sheriff's deputies said they were called to the park after the dispute and learned the woman had fired the rounds from inside her vehicle. A WISN 12 News crew saw deputies processing the scene around 7 p.m. Saturday. The outlet reports deputies traced the car to a home tied to its registration and made the arrest there. The sheriff's office said there were no reported injuries.
Lake Park, perched along Milwaukee's lakefront, is known for its Olmsted-era design, sweeping views and busy calendar of warm-weather picnics and festivals. Milwaukee Magazine notes the park pulls in crowds from across the city, which can mean packed weekends and increased patrols when tempers or traffic start to spike.
Deputies Track Car, Make Arrest
Deputies said they identified the suspect's vehicle and followed its registration to a residence, where they found the woman and arrested her. According to the sheriff's office, the child who had been in the car when the shots were fired was quickly secured and is safe. Authorities did not immediately release the suspect's name or specify potential charges, and the sheriff's office said the investigation remains active, as reported by WISN 12 News.
Legal Note
With an arrest made, it will be up to prosecutors to decide whether to file charges. Under Wisconsin law, firing a gun in a public place or in a way that risks hitting an occupied vehicle can lead to weapons or endangerment counts. State courts have interpreted statutes on reckless use of a weapon and endangering safety, including in the case State v. Carrington, discussed in detail on Justia, which addresses sec. 941.20 and related provisions.
Authorities did not offer further details beyond their initial account. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and that more information could be released once prosecutors complete their review of the case.
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