Who was the man tackled by police in Milwaukee?

The man tackled by Milwaukee Police for interfering with a suspicious package investigation was identified as Matthew Hughes, 39, of Milwaukee.

Why did the man try to grab the suspicious backpack?

Matthew Hughes reportedly told officers and investigators that he intended to "be a hero" and "diffuse this situation," stating he was "going to go play superhero" to prevent another "Boston thing." He also mentioned having mental health issues.

What was in the suspicious backpack?

The suspicious backpack was investigated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and was determined not to contain any dangerous explosives. The exact non-dangerous contents were not specified in public reports.

What charges did Matthew Hughes face?

Matthew Hughes was charged with one count of disorderly conduct and one count of obstructing an officer for disregarding police commands and interfering with the suspicious package investigation.

public-safety · Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What happened after the man was tackled by police for grabbing a suspicious backpack in Milwaukee?

What happened?

Matthew Hughes was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer after he bypassed police lines to rummage through a suspicious backpack in downtown Milwaukee, which was later determined not to be dangerous.

Interim public outcome

Last checked: Jun 11, 2026

Sources: TMJ4 News; FOX6 News Milwaukee; CBS 58

Timeline

May 21, 2018
Just before 7 a.m., a suspicious backpack was reported near Plankinton and Wisconsin in downtown Milwaukee, prompting a police response and the establishment of a perimeter.
May 21, 2018
While the scene was cordoned off, Matthew Hughes rode his bicycle past police lines, approached the suspicious backpack, and began to remove items from it.
May 21, 2018
Milwaukee Police officers rushed in and tackled Hughes to the ground, apprehending him for interfering with the investigation.
May 21, 2018
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit investigated the backpack, determining it did not contain any dangerous explosives.
Jun 4, 2018
Matthew Hughes was formally charged with one count of disorderly conduct and one count of obstructing an officer.

Receipts

TMJ4 NewsMay 21, 2018
FOX6 News MilwaukeeJun 4, 2018
CBS 58Jun 4, 2018
WTHRMay 21, 2018