City housing inspector shot on the job; Common Council 'vehemently' denounces violent act

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council said it "vehemently (denounces)" an act of violence done to a city worker.

Milwaukee police said a city housing inspector was injured in a shooting Tuesday, Oct. 26, while sitting inside her car. It happened at 10:12 a.m. near 48th and Fairmount Avenue.

Officers said the 41-year-old woman was sitting in her car when an armed suspect approached with a gun.

The city worker drove away in her vehicle, and the suspect fired shots, striking her.

Council members said they are appalled to learn one of their own would be a target in an attempted carjacking.

"It’s just completely unacceptable. Nobody who’s simply out doing their job should face that sort of violence," said Common Council President Alderman Cavalier Johnson.

The full Common Council released a statement saying in part, "No one should have to fear for their life while at their place of work, and we vehemently denounce this act of violence aimed at a public servant who was working to improve her community. As a Council, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that City employees are safe while in neighborhoods performing their necessary duties."

In March 2017, a city home inspector was shot and killed. Greg "Ziggy" Zyskiewicz was shot in his car on the job, as the suspects were planning to carjack him.

Alderman Bob Bauman said the incident this week makes him question whether city workers should be driving their personal cars.

"A car with a city logo on the side is probably less interesting to steal. On the other hand, you have people out there who might find that this is a new game we could play: Who could steal the most city cars?" Bauman said.

He said if there are enough city vehicles to have employees drive them, city departments may consider examining their policies.

"We should have that discussion again to just see where the departments are at in terms of evaluating the option," Bauman said.

Officials say the woman's injuries were not fatal, and she arrived at a local hospital for treatment.

Milwaukee police are seeking an unknown suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.

Here's the Common Council's full statement:

"On Tuesday, a City housing inspector was shot and injured in her car while on the job after a suspect approached her with a gun. Thankfully, the injuries sustained were not life threatening, and we wish her a speedy recovery. No one should have to fear for their life while at their place of work, and we vehemently denounce this act of violence aimed at a public servant who was working to improve her community. As a Council, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that City employees are safe while in neighborhoods performing their necessary duties. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated and passionate workers in the field every day, and they deserve to feel secure and protected on the job. Police are still seeking any suspects in this case, and anyone with information is asked to contact MPD at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS."