MPD's Operation Python Patrols Shootout Neighborhood

By Jay Sorgi with Nick Iannelli and Melanie Stout

Archived Content

  • Print

  • Operation Python. Video by 620wtmj.com

    video

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Police Department is conducting a crackdown called "Operation Python" in an effort to squeeze out violent criminals and gang members.

Police have added extra foot patrols to try and saturate neighborhoods like the one near North 38th and West Wright Streets, where three teenagers allegedly shot at officers on Monday night.

None of the bullets that reportedly came from a sawed-off shotgun struck the officers who happened to be on a foot patrol.  The three suspects have been arrested.

Other Milwaukee Police officers understand the dangers of the foot patrol.

"We hear something like that and we think that could have been us," said Officer Wardell Dodds.  "It's good they are doing fine, our safety is number one and they are doing their job."

Police are channeling their efforts on street gangs in those particular neighborhoods where Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn says they keep people hostage.

"Many (neighborhoods) are just portrayed as places of violence.  What we miss is the thousands of people that live there," said Flynn.  "What those officers did (Monday) night is take a step towards reducing that violence, and they took a considerable step."

Those neighborhoods include the Amani and Century City neighborhoods, which encompass areas between 20th and 35th Streets and between North Avenue and Capitol Drive.

Neighbors told TODAY"S TMJ4 HD's Melanie Stout that they feel safer, and that they appreciate police presence around them.