Milwaukee police said the 17-year-old victim is expected to survive.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee police are investigating after a 17-year-old was shot late Monday near Brady Street on the city’s east side, an area known for restaurants, bars and heavy foot traffic.
The shooting happened around 11 p.m. May 18 near Farwell Avenue, Cambridge Avenue and Brady Street. Police said the victim and the shooter did not know each other and that the shooting appeared to follow an argument. No one was in custody as of Tuesday.
Officers taped off the area after the shooting and placed evidence markers near the intersection. The teen was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive, police said. Investigators have not released the teen’s name, the extent of the injuries or a description of the person they are seeking.
People who live and work nearby said the gunfire raised concern in a neighborhood that draws large crowds, especially as warmer weather begins. Laura Thompson-Mason, who lives in the area, said she heard loud popping noises around the time of the shooting. “It is really rare around here still, so I’m hoping it stays that way,” Thompson-Mason said.
Brady Street is one of Milwaukee’s busiest nightlife corridors, with bars, restaurants and shops packed into a walkable stretch east of the Milwaukee River. The shooting happened just days before Memorial Day weekend, when police said they planned to increase their presence in the area.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said Tuesday he had not yet been briefed on the shooting. He said he expected to get more information from police and also pointed to city Peace Week events focused on reducing violence. The Brady Street Business Improvement District said it was working with police, the alderman’s office and private security partners on safety efforts.
Investigators have not said what led to the argument or whether more than one person may have fired shots. Police said they are still seeking the suspect or suspects. The case remains open while detectives review evidence and gather information from witnesses.
Author note: Last updated May 21, 2026.