MCSO: Deputy dragged at lakefront highlights increase in crime at county parks, beaches

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A suspect was arrested in connection to an incident where a Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office deputy was dragged during a traffic stop at the city's lakefront, a case that authorities said is one example of a spike in crime at parks and beaches.

The incident happened on June 2 as a deputy was alerted of the presence of a stolen vehicle in the Northpoint parking lot near Bradford Beach.

Deputies were performing a traffic stop when the suspect began to drive away and dragged a deputy several feet before leaving the area.

A male passenger had exited the vehicle and was arrested, and a firearm was recovered from them.

The deputy suffered bruises and scrapes and returned to work a few days later.

"I specifically saw her being dragged by that vehicle and I can remember, and I'll always remember that terror on her face as that was happening," Inspector Douglas Holton with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said during a news conference Thursday, June 8.

The suspect driver was arrested Wednesday, June 7 in Milwaukee

The 21-year-old male faces multiple charges including first-degree reckless endangering safety and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

"Unfortunately, these types of incidents are becoming more and more frequent in and around our county parks, specifically here at the lakefront," Holton said.

The Sheriff's Office highlighted increases in the number of recovered firearms, stolen vehicles, OWIs and other crimes at county parks and beaches, including a 79% increase in the number of recovered stolen vehicles this year compared to the same time in 2022 and a 33% increase in the number of firearms recovered compared to last year.

Authorities are increasing the number of deputies during busy days at the lakefront, but they also ask for the public's help in keeping parks and beaches safe.

"Parents, know where your kids are, where they're going, who they're hanging out with," Holton said. "We are often seeing young teenagers hanging around with individuals who are armed, who have open warrants, open cases and are in stolen vehicles."

The agency is also rolling out the Atlas One app where people can report non-emergencies and receive alerts of crime in their area.

You can download the Atlas One App for iPhone here.

You can download the Atlas One App for Android here.