"He's an angel right now:" Vigil held to remember David Montanez, killed in hit-and-run crash
MILWAUKEE -- A vigil was held Thursday, November 19th to remember the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened on Milwaukee's south side. 64-year-old David Montanez died at the hospital following the crash on Tuesday, November 17th.
Marquette Journal
Police say the driver who hit him just kept going.
"I saw him at the corner over there," said nine-year-old Sarah Barrera.
Barrera placed flowers and perfume near the intersection of Layton Boulevard and Rogers Street. It's the site of the fatal hit-and-run.
"He can smell really good, even though he's an angel right now," said Barrera.
Surveillance video shows Barrera getting off a Milwaukee County bus -- and a speeding vehicle zooms past.
A car hit David Montanez when he was in the street. Now, 73-year-old Andrew Emer is criminally charged -- accused of hitting Montanez, and not stopping.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near Layton and Rogers
"When I saw the shoe in the street, I knew it was him. I've picked him up many times when he's fallen down," said Chris Cheever, a neighbor.
Andrew Emer
FOX6 News is told Montanez had difficulties walking.
Few in the neighborhood even knew his last name.
We're told he served in the military and worked for 35 years with the city of Milwaukee's water and sewer department. Many neighbors say this is a dangerous intersection for all who pass -- and they'd like to see a stop light to slow traffic.
"People drive like idiots," said Cheever.
The New Covenant Church near the crime scene organized the vigil on Thursday night.
"All he really had was the neighbors that would see him when he'd get off the bus," said Giovanni Soto with the New Covenant Church. "I really think we need to take care of our disabled, or elderly. Let's all just take care of each other."
Vigil held for 64-year-old David Montanez
Church officials are trying to rally alderman and other city leaders to put a stoplight, or even speed bumps in the intersection.