Statement Regarding Northridge Lake Tragedy

MILWAUKEE, WI – The following is the statement on behalf of the Office of the County Executive regarding the Northridge Lake tragedy that occurred late last week:

On behalf of the County Executive our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy that occurred late last week when two bodies were recovered from Lake Northridge.

On December 7, at 4:34 PM, the Office of Emergency Management’s 911 Communications Division (OEM) received a call transfer from the City of Milwaukee regarding a Welfare Check at the lakefront near Lincoln Memorial Drive. A Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) unit was dispatched at 4:39 PM to the lakefront to check for a subject threatening to drive into the lake. Additional squads voluntarily responded to the area to assist.

After receiving more information from the witness, the 911 dispatcher relayed the information to all responding units, including the information that the vehicle had left the area and might be traveling towards Brown Deer. The Brown Deer Police Department was also notified that the individual may be entering their jurisdiction.

Once a disposition is provided, it is standard best practice for dispatch to advise additional, voluntary squads that they can return to or remain in service. This does not serve as a cancellation of the call in its entirety. Responding law enforcement personnel dictate all investigative actions and follow-up regarding a call for service. OEM’s 911 Communications Division dispatchers at the call center cannot, and do not, supersede the judgement of the investigating deputy on the scene.

OEM is currently working to fulfil all records requests concerning response to the emergency call made late last week. 

The Office of the County Executive and OEM have no plans to issue further comment on the matter at this time as to not disrupt the Milwaukee Police Department’s ongoing investigation into the deaths.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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