MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – A Milwaukee police officer is facing criminal charges after allegedly firing a handgun toward two homes while driving off-duty in 2022.
According to officials, the Milwaukee Police Department became aware of the misconduct allegation involving 36-year-old patrol officer Vashaun Young and launched a criminal investigation through its Internal Affairs Division. Young was suspended on April 10, 2025, pending the outcome of the investigation.
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A criminal complaint alleges the incident occurred on or around March 20, 2022, in the early morning hours on the 2300 block of West Burleigh Street in Milwaukee.
The complaint references a cellphone video, recorded by a passenger, showing Young driving with a handgun in his right hand and firing two rounds toward residential homes. The interior lights of one of the homes were reportedly on at the time.
Investigators say Young was off-duty when the incident occurred and that the location is near the NOVA School and COA Youth and Family Center.
Young allegedly told detectives that he was the person in the video, he had pointed the gun at the homes, and presumed he fired the weapon. He also acknowledged his familiarity with the nearby school.
On April 21, 2025, Young was formally charged with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon (from a vehicle, at or toward a building or vehicle), a violent crime in a school zone.
If convicted, he faces up to 12.5 years in prison, an additional 5 years for the school zone enhancement, and up to $25,000 in fines.
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Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman stated that all members of the department are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and expressed disappointment in the incident. He also emphasized that Young is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Young is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on May 12.
