Crime Stoppers: Bystander shoots man seen beating girlfriend at Milwaukee gas station

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A bystander took matters into his own hands after witnessing another man beating his girlfriend in public. Is he a hero or a vigilante? Milwaukee police say, no matter his intent, he broke the law and hope either you can help or he will turn himself in.

Milwaukee police shared video of a man seen firing shots at a red Jeep; the driver and passenger were left injured.

"He saw something, he did something," said Milwaukee Police Department Det. Ed Fitting. 

Multiple surveillance cameras caught the incident that happened around 11 a.m. on June 5. Video shows a man get out of a red Jeep at the 24-Seven gas station, located across from Checkers restaurant on Teutonia and North Avenue. 

Police say the man was captured on video arguing with his girlfriend who was seen walking to the gas station. After about 15 seconds, the man's girlfriend is seen walking away and police say the man followed her. Once under the shadow of a gas pump awning, the man is seen pulling the woman's hair from behind and wrestling her to the ground. He proceeded to slap and punch the woman multiple times. 

According to police, another man a few gas pumps away witnessed the incident. 

After about 30 seconds, police say the woman got up and walking away; the man retreated to his Jeep -- where officials say his other girlfriend was sitting inside. 

Moments later, police say the man who witnessed the shooting pulled out a gun and started shooting into the Jeep. 

"I understand what he may be thinking that he was trying to help, but it was 10:50 in the morning the streets or busy, bullets won't stop until they hit something, you're putting other people in danger," said Det. Fitting. 

Following the shooting, police say the shooter filled up a gas can, got into his car and left. Det. Fitting says that wasn't the best move either. 

"If he believed the female was in danger, which is why he did what he did, his best course of action would have been to stay there, talk with police so they could get his side of the story and why he did what he did. Driving away probably makes it look a little worse," said Fitting. 

Milwaukee police tracked down the driver of the red Jeep and arrested him. Detectives still need to talk to the shooter to get his side of the story. 

"I understand what he might have been thinking about but still you've got to take accountability for acting on those impulse," Fitting said. 

If you know anything about this shooting, or recognize the shooter, you're urged to call Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip through the P3 Tips App. Your call is always anonymous, handled by an out-of-state tipline. If your tip leads to an arrest, you get cash.