Police capture driver accused of running red light, slamming into car, killing woman
MILWAUKEE -- One person is dead and another is injured after a hit-and-run crash on Milwaukee’s northwest Thursday morning, October 5th. Police said Thursday afternoon they've captured the alleged hit-and-run driver -- a 19-year-old Milwaukee man.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
It happened around 7:50 a.m. near 76th and Appleton.
According to police, the preliminary investigation has revealed the suspect was driving a Pontiac Sunfire southbound on N. 76th Street when he disregarded a red light and struck a vehicle -- which was traveling westbound on W. Appleton Avenue.
"People need to realize they're not just putting themselves in danger, but innocent people in danger," said Jose Cruz, who works in the area.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
The victim, a 48-year-old woman, was a passenger in the vehicle that was hit, and she was pronounced dead. The male driver of the vehicle that was struck suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The suspect fled from the scene on foot and Milwaukee police were looking for him. Again -- he's now in custody, and police said this case is being presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for charges.
"It's actually the second accident today. There was another person who hit a sign. I didn't see that one, but I saw this one," said Cruz.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton
Cruz said people are always driving wildly in the area. Even in his store's parking lot, Cruz said people speed through, trying to avoid the intersection -- sometimes narrowly missing customers and employees who are out working on cars.
Jose Cruz
"They cut through here, and they'll be going like 50 or 60 miles-per-hour," said Cruz.
Milwaukee police have not released details explaining why the driver disregarded the red light. But for Cruz, and others who work in the area, there's no excuse, and now, they're all mourning someone who lost their life in a car crash.
"Make sure you hug, kiss, and make memories with your family because it could be the last time they see you or you see them," said Cruz.
The investigation is ongoing.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near 76th and Appleton