Sunday, July 15, 2001

Breaking News

FROLIC FRACAS

Senior Citizen at Center of Near Riot

Milwaukee – Betty Bauknecht, 82, of Two Rivers was at the center of a near riot in Bay View late Saturday night. While attending the 52^nd Annual South Shore Frolic, Bauknecht incited a crowd of young fireworks onlookers. She reportedly strong-armed a young woman into giving her a beaded necklace with hearts that lit up. Bauknecht then made suggestive and lewd comments about the heart-shaped necklace and possibly seduced a young man into a kiss. Efforts by friends and family accompanying her to settle down were rebuffed.

Immediately following the fireworks, Bauknecht was again in the middle of a street brawl less than two blocks from the park involving an estimated 20 or more young people. Onlookers immediately called police bringing a response from 2 Milwaukee County Sheriff squads (including the canine unit), 6 Milwaukee Police bicycle officers, and 13 squad cars. Later, the police paddy wagon arrived along with 2 bicycle paramedic units.

No one was injured in the melee, but a total of 9 people were arrested at the scene. Reportedly, an off duty Milwaukee police officer tried to quell the disturbance, but was unsuccessful without back-up assistance. Witnesses indicate that Bauknecht was more than a curious observer and suggested that she may have actually incited the youth to begin fighting. They also said they observed her drinking Margaritas since early afternoon. Police are certain excessive alcohol consumption was a factor in both disturbances and they are still considering the connection between the fireworks disturbance and the street brawl.

A spokesperson for the Milwaukee Police Department indicated their investigation is ongoing.  A Bay View Lions Club spokesperson indicated that these incidents are a sad blemish on a long standing community event noted for its family and historical orientation. He further stated that “I hope Bay Viewites who invite outsiders to the Frolic are more careful in their selection of guests to insure their behavior is consistent with the spirit of the celebration so as not to spoil it for others”. Family members were not available for comment, but neighbors reported that Bauknecht left Milwaukee Sunday afternoon.

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