Police and community organizations go door-to-door near home of fatal toddler shooting, urging people to take free gun locks

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Following the rise in gun violence, and two toddlers accidentally getting ahold of guns in the last week, Milwaukee police and other community organizations were out passing out gun locks on Thursday, July 7.

They went to homes along Highland Avenue on Milwaukee's near west side. It was right across the street from the Windsor Court Apartments, where 3-year-old A'kai Stilo fatally shot himself.

"It’s heartbreaking to hear about that, that’s why we’re here at this location because we did have that incident here," said Milwaukee District 4 Police Captain Raymond Bratchett.

A few days later, another toddler was injured accidentally by gunfire.

As police and Near West Side Partners went door-to-door in the area, they urged people to take a gun lock and pass on the information to their friends.

"We just want to keep the families safe, so make sure even if they don't come to get one they put their guns somewhere safe. We don't need any kids getting hurt," said Captain Bratchett to one family.

Heartbreak is a sentiment many who live in Milwaukee share.

"It breaks my heart. I think these are incidents that lead to death, that probably could've been prevented had a gun lock been used," said Bobby McQuay, safety outreach manager at the Near West Side Partners.

Gun locks are also available at police and fire stations around the city.