MPD seeks charges against 'Safer at Home' violators who commit crimes after violent weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Police say they'll be seeking charges against people who commit crimes during Governor Evers' Safer at Home order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The City of Milwaukee saw an increase in violent crime over the past weekend, including nine non-fatal shootings and two homicides.

Authorities say violating the Safer at Home order is a criminal offense, and people who commit crimes will be arrested for both the crime committed and for violating the governor's order.

People who are out for non-essential reasons and are involved in activity that leads to their victimization or to the victimization of another will be arrested for violating the Evers' order.

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales released a YouTube message to the community, and said in part:

"Since Governor Evers' Safer at Home order, we have investigated far too many crimes and have made far too many arrests that could have been prevented if those individuals would have abided by the order....we will not gamble with the lives of our residents or with the lives of our officers."