MILWAUKEE — Three teenage boys have been apprehended by Milwaukee police following a brutal attack on two men that authorities are classifying as elder abuse. The incident, captured on social media, involved the teenagers assaulting the men in a disturbing display of violence.
The attack occurred around 4 p.m. Wednesday in an alleyway near 1st and National Street, leaving a 63-year-old man severely injured and necessitating hospital treatment. The two additional victims, ages 62 and 53, received onsite medical attention. Responding officers arrested two 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old in connection to the assault, which police described as egregious enough to warrant felony aggravated assault charges.
Family members identified the oldest victim, seen bloodied in the video, as Freddie Vega, 63. His son, Felipe Martinez, described Vega as a respected and helpful individual, who sustained multiple injuries including a broken nose, ribs, collarbone, and required stitches to his forehead.
Milwaukee police have issued an appeal for help in identifying other attackers and witnesses, underlining the need for accountability. “This behavior is not just unacceptable, it is inhumane. Violence is never appropriate conflict resolution,” stated the police department.
The violent occurrence took place near Bradley Tech High School, prompting Milwaukee Public Schools to issue a statement. While confirming the incident did not occur on school property, the district disclosed that they were investigating online threats related to one of their schools, ensuring all measures were being taken to maintain safety.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed profound dismay over the attack and emphasized the need for strict accountability for those involved. Similarly, Aldermanic District Common Council President Jose Perez, within whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, condemned the violence and highlighted the ongoing conversations with the district attorney’s office and juvenile court to address such issues robustly.
Both Perez and Mayor Johnson are advocating for the reintroduction of police officers in schools, arguing for the enforcement of state laws that could prevent such incidents. Perez noted the critical role parents and the community play in teaching youth to resolve conflicts non-violently.
Amid these calls for action, the community and authorities are rallying to address both the immediate impacts of the attack and the underlying issues that led to such a display of violence, underlining a collective commitment to restore peace and ensure justice.