ATF offers $10K reward in Milwaukee fires

The BP gas station destroyed in the fires. (Photo: Instagram/tvryanyoung)

Federal law enforcement has offered a reward up to $10,000 for information on those responsible for commercial fires set amid protests in Milwaukee over the weekend.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives listed eight business that were torched when protests of a police shooting turned violent on Saturday and Sunday. ATF said estimated losses are in the several millions. The businesses include:

• BP Gas Station at 3114 North Sherman Boulevard
• O’Reilly Auto Parts at 3405 West Fond du Lac Avenue
• BMO Harris Bank at 3536 West Fond du Lac Avenue
• Jet Beauty Supply at 3501 West Burleigh Street
• PJ’s Supermarket at 3079 North 21st Street
• MJM Liquor Store at 2229 West Fond du Lac Avenue
• A to Z Wholesale Liquor at 2233 West Fond du Lac Avenue
• Big Jim’s Liquor at 2161 West Hopkins Street

“Last night was unlike anything I have seen in my adult life in this city. I hope I never see it again,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett about the riots.

The officer involved shooting happened after traffic stop Saturday afternoon escalated. Two men in the car ran from police, so police followed suit. Authorities say the man who was fatally shot had a gun and refused to put it down.

Barrett said he has not seen bodycam video from the incident, but did see a still photo extracted from it that shows the suspect holding a gun.

“That video will be under the jurisdiction, for the time being, of the state of Wisconsin because the state of Wisconsin will be conducting the investigation,” Barrett said.

On Sunday, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker activated the National Guard to aid the city at the request of local law enforcement.

ATF has asked anyone with information about these fires should call the toll free ATF hotline at 888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473). Callers may remain anonymous.