Ashley Luthern, and Mary Spicuzza

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services employee was shot and killed Wednesday while on duty, city officials said.

The man had worked for the city for 33 years and was a special enforcement inspector, Mayor Tom Barrett said.

"This is a very, very horrific event," Barrett said.

Ald. Bob Donovan confirmed the man killed was Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz, 64, saying he was a longtime and devoted inspector.

"It was Ziggy," Donovan said. "We went on many walks, neighborhood walks."

Donovan said Zyszkiewicz worked with the community prosecution unit on the north and south side, among others.

"He was a great inspector, a great guy. Many a smile we shared," Donovan said, his voice shaking. "I'm just shocked. I feel for his family so much. I know he was nearing retirement, for God sakes."

Barrett and Police Chief Edward Flynn did not confirm the man's identity when addressing reporters at the scene Wednesday and providing preliminary details.

Police were called to the area of N. 23rd and W. Cherry streets about 2 p.m. to check on a man who was slumped over behind the wheel of his vehicle, Flynn said.

When they arrived, they found he had been shot, Flynn said.

The man apparently was going to do a housing inspection on the block, was wearing a windbreaker identifying him as a city employee and had a clipboard and official paperwork with him, the chief said.

Special enforcement inspectors typically deal with the most serious problem properties in the city.

One house on that block is subject to a monthly reinspection by special enforcement inspectors for failing to correct past building code violations, per city records. That house was last inspected Feb. 8. It is unclear if that was the house the man was addressing at the time.

While investigating, officers heard gunshots in the general area, but authorities do not believe those were related to the homicide, Flynn said.

Officers were searching for suspects in the shooting and asking anyone with information to call Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360. The Milwaukee County medical examiner's office said an autopsy will be conducted Thursday.

Barrett said he had notified the man's family of his death before speaking to reporters and said the man was "well-respected" by all who worked with him.

On Wednesday afternoon, police tape ringed the homicide scene as neighbors milled around talking about frequently hearing gunshots in the area.

School buses filled with children passed through the intersection to the west of the scene across from St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Broken Chain Ministries. A black SUV was parked perpendicular on the street to shield the victim’s vehicle from public view as technicians collected evidence.

This is the second time this year city employees who are not law enforcement have come under gunfire. Last month, shots hit a Milwaukee Fire Department station on the west side, forcing it to close temporarily. No one was injured inside Engine Co. 13 at 2901 N. 30th St.

Meg Jones and Cary Spivak of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.