19-year-old charged with setting fire to playground with Molotov cocktails
Braddock R. Sherwood claimed act was a series of ‘Jackass’ that he planned to post on social media
Updated: 3:42 PM CDT May 29, 2026
Prosecutors charged a 19-year-old New Berlin man Friday in connection with a fire that destroyed playground equipment at Biwer Park, according to a criminal complaint filed in Waukesha County.Charges follow playground fireBraddock R. Sherwood faces three felony charges: possession or manufacture of Molotov cocktails, arson of property other than a building and felony criminal damage to property.New Berlin Police and Fire Departments responded to 3495 S. Sandalwood Drive at approximately 4:40 a.m. Friday, following a report of a fire in the park. Responders extinguished the flames, which destroyed a large, plastic-covered commercial merry-go-round. According to the complaint, the cost to remove the debris and replace the playground equipment will exceed $2,500.Video evidence and suspect statementsThe complaint says Sherwood, whose residence faces the park, initially told officers he had been sleeping and saw an individual in dark clothing near the fire. However, neighbors provided police with doorbell camera footage recorded between 3 and 4:40 a.m. The video allegedly shows Sherwood walking back and forth between the park and his home, taking photos and videos of the fire on his cell phone, and later attempting to extinguish the growing flames with a bucket of water.Investigators recovered broken glass from juice and sauce bottles at the scene, which Sherwood’s mother confirmed had previously been in their home. Following his arrest, Sherwood admitted to constructing the incendiary devices and starting the fires. According to the complaint, he told officers he was on FaceTime with friends and wanted attention, claiming the act was a series of “Jackass” that he planned to post on social media.Police reported that Sherwood emitted a strong odor of intoxicants and registered a 0.130 on a preliminary breath test, the complaint says. Next steps and potential penaltiesIf convicted, Sherwood faces up to six years in prison for the Molotov cocktail charge, and up to three years and six months in prison for each of the arson and property damage charges. Each of the three felony counts also carries a potential fine of up to $10,000. Future court dates for the defendant have not yet been scheduled. Top HeadlinesMPS board passes $1.6 billion budgetWisconsin gubernatorial candidate admits to stealing campaign signs Man pinned under boat, killed at Milwaukee boat storage businessWATCH Gun store video shows illegal purchase attempt
NEW BERLIN, Wis. —
Prosecutors charged a 19-year-old New Berlin man Friday in connection with a fire that destroyed playground equipment at Biwer Park, according to a criminal complaint filed in Waukesha County.
Charges follow playground fire
Braddock R. Sherwood faces three felony charges: possession or manufacture of Molotov cocktails, arson of property other than a building and felony criminal damage to property.
Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office
New Berlin Police and Fire Departments responded to 3495 S. Sandalwood Drive at approximately 4:40 a.m. Friday, following a report of a fire in the park. Responders extinguished the flames, which destroyed a large, plastic-covered commercial merry-go-round. According to the complaint, the cost to remove the debris and replace the playground equipment will exceed $2,500.
Video evidence and suspect statements
The complaint says Sherwood, whose residence faces the park, initially told officers he had been sleeping and saw an individual in dark clothing near the fire. However, neighbors provided police with doorbell camera footage recorded between 3 and 4:40 a.m. The video allegedly shows Sherwood walking back and forth between the park and his home, taking photos and videos of the fire on his cell phone, and later attempting to extinguish the growing flames with a bucket of water.
Investigators recovered broken glass from juice and sauce bottles at the scene, which Sherwood’s mother confirmed had previously been in their home. Following his arrest, Sherwood admitted to constructing the incendiary devices and starting the fires. According to the complaint, he told officers he was on FaceTime with friends and wanted attention, claiming the act was a series of “Jackass” that he planned to post on social media.
Police reported that Sherwood emitted a strong odor of intoxicants and registered a 0.130 on a preliminary breath test, the complaint says.
Next steps and potential penalties
If convicted, Sherwood faces up to six years in prison for the Molotov cocktail charge, and up to three years and six months in prison for each of the arson and property damage charges. Each of the three felony counts also carries a potential fine of up to $10,000. Future court dates for the defendant have not yet been scheduled.
Top Headlines
WATCH Gun store video shows illegal purchase attempt