'Somebody walked by and saw opportunity': Multiple break-ins reported in Riverwest neighborhood

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police continue to look for a suspect after multiple break-ins in the Riverwest neighborhood.

The early morning crime spree started Wednesday morning in Riverwest, when a suspect took a brick and threw it through a glass window at Club 99.

The owner believes the same suspect came back the following Thursday and targeted the side window, but they were unsuccessful in breaking in. The two incidents set the owner back hundreds of dollars.

"She was like, 'there is glass everywhere.' I was like, 'what,' so I ran downstairs, and I was like, 'are you kidding me,' I was like, 'God dang it,'" said Willie Ortiz, owner of Club 99.

The bar owner said his longstanding Riverwest watering hole near north Pierce and east Clarke Street was broken into.

"It's just somebody walked by and saw opportunity," said Ortiz.

The suspect took Ortiz's register with close to $400 cash in it, along with a cellphone.

All things, Ortiz said, are replaceable, but it appeared the suspect wanted more.

"The second time, next day, you can see it spiderweb shattered, but they weren’t able to get through the second pane in the glass," said Ortiz.

And just blocks away on Friday, near north Fratney and east Burleigh, another break-in reported.

Police said the suspect entered Art Bar after shattering the front glass door of the business. 

The bar owner told CBS 58 News the suspect made off with an empty cash drawer and an empty register.

Despite the break-ins, Ortiz said businesses are here to stay.

"I'll still be here, and nothing driving me out. I love Riverwest, so I'll fix everything, upgrade stuff and still be here, still be a part of the community," said Ortiz.

Ortiz expects his front door to be replaced in the next two-to-three weeks. For now, Club 99 will remain open with their normal business hours, he just asks his guest to use the side door.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department, or call Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip, at 414-224-TIPS.

Share this article:

CBS 58 Ready Weather Forecast

By using our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy