Driver of SUV in hit-and-run near Danny's Lounge now charged

WEST ALLIS -- West Allis police officials say 36-year-old Damon James Edward Howard of Milwaukee has been charged with two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety (a Class F Felony) and three counts of duty upon striking occupied or attended vehicle (property damage only). Police say Howard was involved in a hit-and-run incident outside Danny's Lounge in West Allis early Saturday morning, August 18th.

Police say an altercation occurred at bar time among patrons leaving Danny's Lounge, near S. 60th and W. Burnham.

As patrons were leaving, two men entered a Ford Explorer parked facing on W. Burnham in the 5900 block. Howard, the driver, struck two parked vehicles on the south side of the street in the 5900 block. In striking the vehicles, the explorer also struck one man and one woman who were standing by vehicles.

The explorer continued westbound after striking the people and vehicles and struck another vehicle that was turning northbound on S. 60th St. from eastbound W. Burnham and continued westbound on Burnham.

Another person had a firearm and fired shots reportedly at the fleeing explorer. Shots were
fired from the area of the 6100 block of W. Burnham St.

Howard and another man were taken into custody in association with the explorer and the explorer was taken into police custody for investigation.

One man and a firearm were also taken into custody related to firing shots in the 6100 block of W. Burnham St.

Two people suffered non-life threatening injuries from being struck by the vehicle and were transported to Aurora West Allis and Froedtert Hospitals for treatment.

Police say charges regarding the person who fired shots during this incident are still under review -- pending laboratory results.

Five people were arrested for disorderly conduct during another incident outside Danny's Lounge early Wednesday morning -- August 22nd.

Police were dispatched to Danny’s Lounge just after 1 a.m. When officers arrived on the scene, they witnessed a rowdy crowd pushing and shoving one another outside the bar. Authorities say when they went to disperse the crowd, several people resisted.

West Allis’ police chief says he will be going to the city’s License and Health Committee next week to recommend the bar’s license be revoked. The head of that committee says the bar has an ugly history of trouble and violence — even under previous owners.

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