The Milwaukee Police Department is embroiled in a major controversy and facing accusations of excessive force following the release of disturbing bodycam footage. The video shows officers handcuffing children, some as young as nine and ten years old, during a raid on a family-run storage business.
The incident, which took place on 5th May, began when police executed a search warrant at StorSafe on West Capitol Drive. The warrant was granted based on GPS data allegedly linking a stolen car to the location. However, the raid quickly escalated into what the owners describe as a traumatic and unjustified detention of minors.
A Traumatic Ordeal for a Local Family
Bodycam footage obtained by the Milwaukee Independent shows officers ordering everyone inside the business to the ground. The children, who are the grandchildren of the owner, were reportedly helping with cleaning duties when the police stormed in.
In the video, an officer can be heard stating, "We’re not playing games," as the children are forced to the floor. The young girl, visibly distressed, pleads, "I’m only 10 years old," while her brother, aged 9, is also handcuffed. The children were detained for over twenty minutes before the officers confirmed their identities and ages.
Flawed Intelligence and a Questionable Warrant
The raid's foundation has been called into question. The search warrant was issued based on GPS tracking from a vehicle involved in a previous police chase. However, the owner's attorney, B'Ivory LaMarr, vehemently disputes this, stating the stolen Kia was never on the property.
"This was a complete and utter failure," LaMarr said. "To handcuff children based on what appears to be deeply flawed intelligence is unacceptable. This family’s business was invaded, and these kids were treated like dangerous criminals for no reason."
The Milwaukee Police Department has confirmed the incident is under internal review. A statement read, "The Milwaukee Police Department is aware of this incident and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the search warrant execution."
Community Outrage and Legal Repercussions
The release of the footage has sparked outrage among community leaders and civil rights advocates. Many are drawing parallels to other high-profile cases of police misconduct and are demanding accountability and changes to procedure, particularly regarding the treatment of minors.
The family has announced its intention to pursue legal action against the city and the police department. The case raises serious concerns about use-of-force protocols, the verification of digital evidence for warrants, and the psychological impact of such police actions on young children.
