Committee recommends denial of claim after search-warrant execution at Armstrong property

The Judiciary and Legislation Committee recommended denying a claim from property owner Cornelius Armstrong alleging damage during the execution of a search warrant at his rental property at 2832 North 12th Street. The committee was told that Milwaukee Police Department officers assisted only in containment while officers from another municipality executed the warrant, and the city attorney’s office recommended denial on that basis.

Armstrong said the search damaged the house and that he required repairs after the incident, describing being knocked out of bed by a loud entry and saying the house “was completely damaged.” He told the committee the tenant upstairs was the subject of the warrant and that he had incurred immediate repair expenses while trying to limit further loss.

A city attorney representative explained to the committee that, based on available information, the Milwaukee police did not perform the forcible entry and did not cause the damage. The city attorney described the event as one where another municipality “initiated” and “made entry,” while Milwaukee officers maintained a perimeter; the office therefore concluded the city is not liable.

Committee members asked about arrests and evidence; the city attorney noted an arrest and reported recovery of approximately a kilogram of fentanyl and about 3.9 grams of cocaine base at the scene. After discussion, Alderman Autumn (Westmoreland) moved the committee recommendation of denial; the committee’s recommendation will be sent to the full Common Council on June 3, 2025 for final action. If the council adopts the denial, the claimant will receive formal notice and will then have the prerequisites needed to file suit in circuit court if he chooses to pursue litigation.