'This was not normal gunfire:' Teen fights for his life after early morning shooting near 16th and Meinecke

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 15-year-old is now fighting for his life after Milwaukee police say shots were fired into a home near 16th and Meinecke.

Neighbors say while there's violence around their area, they don't tolerate violence on their street.

Now a home has multiple bullet holes sprayed across the back of the house, cracked windows and broken glass scattered on the floor.

"There was a barrage of bullets of shots. They were very close, but we didn't know the direction they were coming from. All the time I've been living here there's never been an instance where I felt like I needed to get down but this was one of them," said Abra Fortson, neighbor.

The shooting took place Wednesday, June 4 at around 4:14 a.m. Milwaukee Police were called to North 16th and Meinecke.

"Just chaotic, police everywhere, fire trucks, ambulance," said Steven Wofford, neighbor.

Neighbor Steven Wofford says he watched the young boy who is now in critical condition grow up just a few houses down with his twin brother.

"He was a good kid you know, a respectful kid," said Wofford.

Abra Fortson has lived on 16th street for more than 12 years, she says her neighbors don't tolerate violence.

"It's tragic, it's tragic because this is a great neighborhood, it's a great block our neighbors know each other, we look out for each other, so it was devastating," said Fortson.

She says she couldn't believe the sound she woke up to, gunshots echoing throughout the neighborhood.

"There is no way the type of firearms we heard engaged at four in the morning that anybody should have access to that kind of artillery. This was not normal gunfire. It makes me concerned for what is being put into the hands of babies," said Fortson.

The Office of Community Wellness and Safety tells CBS58...

At the Office of Community Wellness and Safety, we are deeply concerned about the rise in youth gun violence in our city. The safety and well-being of Milwaukee’s young people is a top priority, and we are fully committed to making a meaningful difference. Our office continues to work hand in hand with the community to create safer, more supportive environments where youth can thrive.

In 2025, while overall crime in Milwaukee has declined, the number of young people impacted by gun violence remains troubling. In the first quarter alone, several children were injured by gunfire—each incident representing a life forever changed and a family in pain. These tragedies strengthen our resolve to act boldly and collaboratively.

To help address these urgent needs, OCWS launched the Summer of Healing initiative, providing over $575,000 in funding to trusted, community-based organizations. These funds support free, youth- and family-focused programming running from June 1st through August 31st in Milwaukee’s Promise Zones and other neighborhoods most affected by violence.

We are proud to partner with organizations that have deep roots and proven impact, including UNCOM, Running Rebels, and many others leading this vital work on the ground. We also engage directly with young people where they are—in schools—offering support, resources, and interventions aimed at promoting safety, healing, and hope.

The Summer of Healing kicked off this past weekend, launching a season of renewed investment in our youth and their communities. Together with our partners, we are creating safe spaces, fostering connections, and building a culture of peace and resilience.

Addressing youth gun violence requires a united effort across sectors. OCWS remains committed to supporting community leadership, strengthening partnerships, and standing with our young people as we work toward a safer, more hopeful Milwaukee.

"I just want people to lay their guns down whatever they have to do to stop killing one another," said Wofford.

Neighbors tell me that while there's violence in surrounding areas they were shocked this level of violence happened right in their backyard

Police have not announced any arrests and continue to seek the suspect or suspects who were involved.

MPD asks anyone with information to call (414) 935-7360. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or by using the P3 Tips online service.