The shooting led to a police pursuit and crash in Wauwatosa.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A 13-year-old boy watched his father get shot inside their Milwaukee apartment Wednesday morning, then forced the suspect out and called 911, the victim’s family said.
Relatives identified the victim as Greg McElwee, 42, a single father and Army veteran. The shooting happened near 94th Street and Carmen Avenue, where police later blocked off an apartment building and parking lot. Milwaukee police said a 29-year-old man was taken into custody after a pursuit ended in Wauwatosa.
Patrick Dockins, McElwee’s uncle, said the violence began after a noise complaint. Dockins said McElwee answered the door, spoke with the man and tried to end the conversation as it escalated. “My nephew answered the door, and they were talking,” Dockins said. “He fired two shots into his chest.” Police said officers were called to the area just before 10 a.m. Wednesday. Investigators remained at the building for several hours.
The boy’s actions became a central part of the family’s account. Dockins said the teenager pushed the gunman out of the apartment before the man could react, then locked the door and called for help. A visible bullet hole remained in the complex hallway after the shooting. Police have not released all details about what led to the confrontation, and investigators have not said whether the suspect lived in the same building.
After the shooting, police said they located the suspect’s vehicle and began a pursuit. The chase covered about five miles and ended near 124th Street and Capitol Drive in Wauwatosa, where a black Audi crashed. Officers removed the 29-year-old driver from the damaged car. Police said the case will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges.
The killing left relatives grieving McElwee and trying to support his son. Dockins described McElwee as a father who was not involved in street violence and said the boy now faces life without his primary guardian. “What do you say to a child who’s lost his only guardian?” Dockins said. Family members planned to gather at the apartment complex for a balloon release.
Police continued to investigate the shooting and pursuit Thursday. The suspect’s name and formal charges had not been released as prosecutors awaited the case referral.
Author note: Last updated May 28, 2026.