LATEST: Couple killed in hit-&-run crash just a block away from their home; five people now in custody



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Five people are now in custody for their alleged role in a fatal hit-and-run that occurred Sunday, February 22nd near S. 84th and W. Wilbur. The crash involved three vehicles, and two people were killed. Police say those in custody were in a stolen vehicle that blew a stop sign and hit two other vehicles.

According to police, a stolen 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe with several people inside was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on W. Wilbur Avenue when it failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a southbound 1999 Buick Century. After the collision, the Buick and Chevrolet continued eastbound and collided with a 2008 Scion before coming to a stop.

The occupants of the striking vehicle fled from the scene -- some on foot and at least one in another vehicle. The driver and passenger of the Buick were pronounced dead at the scene. They are identified as 74-year-old Bernard Hanson and 64-year-old Mary Hanson. We're told they lived about a block away from where the crash occurred.

Bernard and Mary Hanson



The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says Bernard Hanson was driving, and Mary Hanson was his front seat passenger. The Medical Examiner's Office says Bernard Hanson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He was extricated from the vehicle, and Mary Hanson was found to have been pushed into the driver's seat due to the impact of the crash. The couple had just left their home prior to the crash, according to the Medical Examiner.

The driver of the Scion, a 66-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Her 14-year-old male passenger was not injured.

Police say the striking vehicle -- that Chevrolet Tahoe, was stolen with its keys on February 19th from the 900 block of S. 34th Street.

Four people from the striking vehicle were quickly taken into custody. They are two 14-year-old females, a 16-year-old female, and a 20-year-old man. The suspected driver, an 18-year-old man, was arrested later that evening in the 3300 block of W. National Avenue.

MPD will present charges against the driver in the coming days.

Neighbors say they're in shock over what happened.

"It could have been me and my son," Brandi Carey said.

Carey heard the crash on Sunday.

"It was very loud. It was very disturbing," Carey said.

The pile of twisted metal left behind was equally disturbing, Carey says. She says it's difficult knowing two people lost their lives.



"He never took anything for granted it seemed like. He was always a very friendly person," Carey says of 74-year-old Bernard Hanson. It`s a very sad tragedy and how it all happened -- people just really need to be careful driving. Now two lives -- two precious, innocent lives are taken."

Neighbors say they'll always remember the Hansons -- especially Bernard, whom they say despite losing an arm in a motorcycle crash more than 20 years ago, was often seen shoveling his neighbors' sidewalks.

"That says a lot about his character, and he always had a smile on his face -- always said 'hi,' very friendly," Carey said.



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