A man has been arrested in connection with the beating of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett was leaving State Fair Park in West Allis Saturday night when he heard a woman crying out for help. Witnesses say the dispute started as a fight over custody of the child. The man appeared to be drunk and threatened to shoot himself and others.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn says Barrett approached the woman who was fighting with the suspect and started to call 911. The 20-year-old man then ran at Barrett and began hitting him with a metal pipe. Barrett's brother says the mayor suffered "serious injuries, but no major trauma.
Authorities say the accused has an extensive arrest record, including other assaults.