'You never know what can happen': Parents question why DEA raid happened with kids in school nearby

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Several parents outside Lloyd Barbee Montessori School said their kids relayed stories of being rushed inside from recess Friday while law enforcement conducted a raid at a house nearby.

Milwaukee police confirmed they helped the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) execute a warrant at a home near the intersection of N. 24th Pl. and W. Ruby Ave. 

Jeffrey Djoum said his daughter, who's in grade K-4, told him recess was cut short Friday afternoon.

"Just came by and picked up my daughter, and she told me there was some disruption during recess," Djoum said.

Djoum's daughter said teachers told children to "run inside" during recess. A Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) spokesman said Lloyd Barbee staff followed "safety protocols" earlier in the day.

"Staff are prepared to move students inside when incidents happen near schools," Stephen Davis said in a text message.

When a CBS 58 crew got to the school around 4 p.m., police were still at a house four doors down from the school.

About half a dozen officers wearing police and DEA vests carried baskets full of brown evidence bags out of the home. A black pickup truck was also towed out of the driveway.

Djoum and other parents who declined to be interviewed said they weren't comfortable with the decision to conduct a drug bust so close to a school during school hours.

"I would definitely try to keep it away from schools and that kind of thing because you never know what can happen during those kind of escalations," Djoum said.

CBS 58 reached out to the DEA with questions about the raid and specifically asked if the agency has a protocol for executing warrants near a school during school hours. The agency's press office did not immediately respond Friday.

About 15 minutes after officers left, a car with Iowa plates pulled into the driveway. Luke Hauber said he'd just arrived in Milwaukee from the Quad Cities in Iowa after getting a job her post-graduation.

Hauber explained his apartment won't be available until July, so he made arrangements to rent the house for a month.

"I just need some place to stay for a month, some furnished place, and this was gonna be it, but I guess I'll have to find something else now," he said. "When I pulled in, everything was gone. I remember seeing you guys across the street, and I was wondering what that was about."

Hauber was with his mother, and a woman who appeared to be the property owner came out to talk to them. After they saw pictures of the drug bust that happened earlier, Hauber and his mother asked to get out of the lease. The woman said she'd refund their security deposit.

"I'm glad I came now, rather than an hour later when you guys left or else I would not have known," Hauber said. "I probably would have moved in today."

While parents still have questions about how the DEA conducted Friday's raid, Hauber reflected on an unforgettable first day in Milwaukee.

"My sister went to school at Marquette, so I know it's not always like this," he said. "Hopefully, my next place goes a little better than this."