Tom officially a badass

Photo courtesy City of Milwaukee

Milwaukee and West Allis officials announced at a news conference this afternoon that a suspect is in custody who is believed to have assaulted Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett last night.

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn reported that Anthony Peters, 20, of West Allis was arrested by Milwaukee police at 17th and State following an intense collaboration between West Allis and Milwaukee police.

“As a result of this effort, thirteen hours after the crime our officers not only identified but located and apprehended the suspect in Milwaukee,” said Flynn, praising the teamwork between the two departments. “Our officers do this kind of work every day.”

Barrett’s brother John said the Milwaukee mayor had sustained “pretty significant injuries” to his head and hand last night but that “he’s going to be fine.” Barrett is listed in stable condition at Froederdt Medical Center in Wauwatosa.

John Barrett, who is is the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Milwaukee County, briefly described how his brother had been assaulted after attending the Wisconsin State Fair with members of his family last night.

John’s voice cracked with emotion as he said Tom told his sister to leave the area with her children before attempting to call 911 for assistance at which time he was assaulted, apparently with a metal pipe. Barrett was responding to cries for help from a woman believed to be under attack by the assailant.

According to John Barrett, the Mayor “still has his good sense of humor. He’s in good shape, he’s going to be fine.”

West Allis Police Chief Mike Jungbluth said police believe Peters was intoxicated, wanted to see his daughter and threatened to shoot himself and his daughter at the time of the incident. He apparently grabbed a cell phone from the child’s grandmother, who was attempting to call for help when Barrett and his family walked by.

Patrick Curley, Barrett’s chief of staff, told the Associated Press that the Mayor sustained injuries to his hand from a returned punch. Barrett had surgery to repair the broken bones in his hand earlier today, Curley said.

Curley also said that Barrett received stitches to cuts on his head and lip.

According to Curley, Barrett’s only regret is that his family had to witness the attack.

“He said it was hard because his kids and niece were there at the time of incident,” Curley said. “He knew he had to (intervene). It was the right thing to do.”

Flynn asked the media not to release pictures of the suspect because the police are still interviewing witnesses.

According to the Journal Sentinel, Gov. Jim Doyle paid a visit to Barrett this morning. The DC-based web site, Politico.com was the first to report yesterday that Doyle is expected to announce shortly that he will not be running for reelection next year. Doyle has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow morning.