The inspector was not injured, but a bullet grazed his coat during the attempted carjacking.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — An 11-year-old boy has been charged after authorities said he fired at a Milwaukee city inspector during an attempted carjacking Wednesday near 32nd Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
The case has drawn attention because of the boy’s age, the daytime attack and the victim’s role as a Department of Neighborhood Services inspector. Police said three juveniles were arrested after a chase and crash. The inspector was working with police at the time.
The shooting happened about 3:30 p.m. while the inspector was assisting Milwaukee police with a property inspection. Officials said the inspector saw someone trying to steal his car. The vehicle was his personal car, but it had city magnets attached while he was on duty. Authorities said the person fired one shot. The inspector moved out of the line of fire, and the bullet grazed his jacket. He was not hurt.
Police later found the suspect vehicle about 4 p.m. near 12th Street and McKinley Avenue and tried to stop it. The driver fled, police said. The chase ended when the driver lost control and hit another vehicle near 12th and State streets, close to Marquette University and Sinai Medical Center. Police said the 14-year-old driver, a 16-year-old boy and the 11-year-old boy ran after the crash but were arrested after a foot chase.
The boys were taken to a hospital for treatment of nonfatal injuries. Police said the vehicle they were in had been stolen and that officers recovered a firearm. Investigators identified the 11-year-old as the suspected shooter. Officials have not released the inspector’s name, the full list of allegations against each juvenile or whether anyone in the second vehicle was hurt in the crash.
The 11-year-old appeared Friday in Children’s Court. Deputy District Attorney Lovell Johnson said the boy posed a serious risk because of the shooting and the loaded gun. “He is a danger absolutely to the community,” Johnson said during the hearing. The court ordered the boy held without bail because of the violent nature of the allegations.
The Department of Neighborhood Services said the inspector works in special enforcement and had recently gone through safety training. The agency said the training covered risks inspectors can face in the field. The department said it would keep reviewing its safety rules and decide whether more training or equipment is needed for workers who inspect properties across the city.
The case remains in juvenile court. Police have said the three boys were arrested after the crash, but further court action and any additional charges were not immediately detailed. The next step is expected to focus on the 11-year-old’s court status and the investigation into the stolen vehicle and recovered gun.
Author note: Last updated Sunday, May 3, 2026.