Milwaukee to Vote on $225,000 Police Excessive Force Settlement
The city council will consider settling a lawsuit stemming from a 2023 incident at a local Target store.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Milwaukee officials are set to vote on November 4, 2026, regarding a proposed $225,000 settlement to resolve a lawsuit involving an alleged police use-of-force incident. The case centers on a confrontation that occurred at a Target store on December 22, 2023.
Why it matters
The settlement was recommended by the city attorney as a way to avoid the expense of continued litigation. It follows a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee.
The proposed settlement follows an August 2025 lawsuit filed by Jacob Enriquez. The Judiciary and Legislation Committee officially recommended the $225,000 payment on October 26, 2026.
The players
Jacob Enriquez
He is the plaintiff who filed a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee and two police officers regarding an incident in 2023.
Bradley Johnson
He is a Milwaukee police officer named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Jacob Enriquez.
Thomas Kresa
He is a Milwaukee police officer named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Jacob Enriquez.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that officers Bradley Johnson and Thomas Kresa used excessive force at the store located at 2950 S. Chase Ave. According to the claims, the officers allegedly shoved Enriquez, punched him, and deployed a Taser, resulting in a 3-centimeter head laceration requiring three staples.
Timeline
December 22, 2023: The alleged excessive force incident occurred at a Target store.
August 2025: Jacob Enriquez filed a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee.
September 30, 2026: The city attorney recommended a settlement to resolve the case.
October 26, 2026: The Judiciary and Legislation Committee unanimously recommended the settlement.
November 4, 2026: The Common Council is scheduled to vote on the settlement.
Legal Context
The city's move to resolve the lawsuit follows the standard claims settlement process used by the Milwaukee Common Council to address police misconduct litigation. This approach mirrors efforts to minimize municipal financial exposure in high-profile civil rights cases.
The resolution of this case settles a significant legal matter involving local law enforcement in the Milwaukee area. Residents can monitor the upcoming council vote to see how municipal funds are allocated regarding ongoing civil litigation.
The takeaway
This settlement represents a common administrative effort by municipal governments to mitigate the risks associated with litigation. The outcome on November 4 will conclude a legal dispute that has been ongoing since 2025.
What happens next
The Milwaukee Common Council is scheduled to cast its final vote on the $225,000 settlement on November 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local oversight and policy, visit the Milwaukee Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Journal Sentinel.
