(Update via email from Public Safety)
At approximately 3:30 p.m. today, Public Safety received a report from an MATC employee regarding the individual suspected of starting a fire in the Student Center (S Building). The employee reported seeing the suspect on 9th and State streets. Public Safety officers responded immediately and were able to locate the suspect on the corner of 8th and State streets. He was taken into custody by Public Safety officers and later arrested by the Milwaukee Police Department for the alleged arson.
This incident demonstrates the importance of employees being alert to their surroundings and the safety messages shared by Public Safety. We appreciate all efforts to keep our campuses safe and thank everyone for their cooperation during this incident. Thank you and please continue to follow these safety tips.
(Earlier in the day, the following text was sent to the MATC community in an email from Public Safety.)
At 6:41 a.m. this morning an individual appeared to intentionally set a chair on fire on the third floor of the Student Center (S building) on MATC’s Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Fire alarms activated and the building was evacuated. No one was injured in the fire, which was quickly extinguished by two MATC employees. The fire activated our sprinkler system, resulting in water damage throughout the S building and the building is currently closed to the college community. More information will be communicated later today regarding the status of S Building reopening. All other buildings and campuses are open.
Upon investigation, Public Safety reviewed video footage and learned that the suspect who set the fire then immediately left the area. We are asking everyone to review the image below and contact Public Safety if you have seen this individual. He is described as a Black male, approximately 5’8” tall and 30 years old, with medium build, short black hair, carrying a green or blue backpack with a navy stripe down the front and wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black and red flip flops/slide shoes with black socks.
The Milwaukee Police Department has been contacted and is investigating. Public Safety is actively assisting in the investigation. If you have any information about this incident or have seen the suspect, please contact Public Safety at 414-297-6200 (76200) or contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-933-4444.
