Milwaukee man indicted for arson of home during civil unrest near 40th and Lloyd

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man is facing up to 20 years in prison for arson connected to civil unrest in Milwaukee.

Joshua Lusk, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury and is accused of setting a home on fire near 40th and Lloyd. The fire happened Tuesday, June 23 during a search for two missing teenagers.

“As alleged in the indictment, Lusk engaged in senseless violence, attempting to destroy the home of innocent people,” said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Matthew Krueger. “I commend the excellent work of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Milwaukee Police Department in investigating this matter. The Justice Department is committed to working with state and local authorities to ensure public safety in Milwaukee.”

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales thanked law enforcement for the investigation.

“The Milwaukee Police Department would like to thank all law enforcement that worked tirelessly on this investigation," he said. "This is just one example of how having strong relationships with our local,state, and federal partners can have a positive impact on the members of the city of Milwaukee.”

Lusk also faces a fine of up to $250,000.

The home, as well as a van went up in flames during the incident June 23. The teenagers were later found, but denied being anywhere near the home. In a press conference Tuesday, June 23, Morales said seven officers and a firefighter were also injured at the scene when a large group congregated in search of the two missing girls. Neighbors said the home is known to be used for human trafficking.

After police left the home, the crowd began breaking windows before the home was set on fire. Around 7:30 p.m., shots were fired into a vehicle, striking a man who later walked into the District 3 police station. Two others at the scene were also shot and are said to have sustained non-life threatening injuries.