MPD & City Attorney Shut Down and Board Up Gang House

Milwaukee Police Department
Office of Media and Communications

Nov. 2 - Milwaukee Police Department District 2 together with the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office boarded up a gang house in the 2000 block of S. 35th St. after the District 2 Community Prosecution Unit filed a public nuisance action in Milwaukee County Circuit Court against the property owner.

The City Attorney's office filed a lawsuit alleging that the property facilitated criminal gang activity and was being used by individuals who intimidated neighbors and destroyed any sense of neighborhood tranquility. During an armed robbery investigation on August 9, 2009, Milwaukee Police officers searched the property and found drugs, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Police also discovered that three known gang members were residing at the property.

With the closing of this house, the work of the Community Prosecution Unit - a combination of efforts of the Milwaukee Police, Milwaukee City Attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney and the Department of Neighborhood Services - shared in a visible sign of success. The most important element is the community members. Members of the District 2 Community Prosecution Unit were on hand to board up the house and return the open spaces of this neighborhood to the residents.

"As long as gangs control a neighborhood, the residents do not," Chief Edward A. Flynn said. "The removal of this gang house means now informal social controls can take root in this area."

• Click here to read the News Release (PDF)

District 2 Captain Donald Gaglione tells the media about the neighborhood’s sense of relief that the occupants of this gang house will no longer have control of their block.