Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A Milwaukee police officer is facing criminal charges for allegedly discharging a firearm at two residences while driving off duty in 2022.

According to officials, the Milwaukee Police Department learned about the misbehavior allegations against 36-year-old patrol officer Vashaun Young and initiated a criminal investigation through its Internal Affairs Division. Young was suspended effective April 10, 2025, until the outcome of the investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, the event occurred on or around March 20, 2022, in the early morning hours in the 2300 block of West Burleigh Street in Milwaukee.

The allegation refers to a smartphone video filmed by a passenger that shows Young driving with a weapon in his right hand and firing two rounds at residential dwellings. According to reports, one of the homes’ interior lights was turned on at the time.

According to investigators, Young was off duty at the time of the incident, which took place near the NOVA School and the COA Youth and Family Center.

Young allegedly informed detectives that he was the individual in the video, that he pointed the gun at the homes, and that he believed he fired the handgun. He also expressed his familiarity with the local school.

On April 21, 2025, Young was charged with endangering safety by using a dangerous weapon (from a vehicle, at or at a building or vehicle), a violent felony in a school zone.

If convicted, he may face up to 12.5 years in jail, an additional 5 years for the school zone increase, and a $25,000 fine.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman remarked that all officers of the department must adhere to the highest ethical standards and expressed regret in the situation. He also stated that Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Young is set to make his first court appearance on May 12.