MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police say a 38-year-old man was shot near Holton and Brady just before 2:00 Thursday morning.
TMJ4's Tom Durian came across the police scene on his way to work and got some video. The investigation seems to be centered on the area near the Casablanca restaurant — Tom saw people moving around inside the building after hours.
Thursday afternoon, TMJ4's Jenna Rae went back to the neighborhood to see what information she could learn.
Neighbors who Rae talked to said that they've seen crime surround this restaurant for years and some even want it gone.
TMJ4 spoke with Casablanca's owner, Al Musa, said he wanted to share his side of the story and that they're working to stop the violence.
Musa said around 1:15 a.m. a woman came into Casablanca, despite its doors closing at 1:30 a.m.
"The patron who was here was upset that her friend wasn't allowed to come in when she arrived at 1:35. It got very vulgar, started to push the security, and then an altercation started," Musa explained.
Musa said the bartender, who's pregnant, also tried to help break up the fight.
"The two girls then grabbed her and started punching her and a gentleman, a suspect, then goes to the security, pushes him into the bathroom, and they start fighting in the bathroom," Musa said.
Musa said the security guard fired his gun and shot the man and then police were called.
Neighbors said incidents at Casablanca have happened more than once.
In 2021, Casablanca's owners went before the city's licensing board where neighbors testified that they've had bullets fly through their windows and were concerned for their safety.
In 2022, Casablanca was the scene of a deadly shooting in 2022.
In 2023, the owners returned to the licensing board while neighbors voiced the same concerns.
TMJ4 tried to talk with those neighbors today and even knocked on more than a dozen doors across the neighborhood near Casablanca.
One couple did echo concerns previously stated, but didn't want to go on camera. Others didn't answer the door.
"There was some instances that happened in the past, and we've introduced new policies and procedures to help enhance our security. The security worked, the surveillance system worked," Musa explained.
Musa said he and his family are working to improve safety in and around the restaurant.
We tried to ask Milwaukee Police if they could confirm Musa's explanation of the incident but told us it's still under investigation.
MPD says a 29-year-old man has been detained as part of the investigation.
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