Charges filed in fatal hit-and-run crash on S. 16th Street

MILWAUKEE -- 32-year-old Luis Perez of Milwaukee has been charged with one count of hit and run, resulting in death in the hit and run crash that killed Gilbert Vazquez on S. 16th Street Saturday, May 26th.

The criminal complaint in the case says Vazquez and two other men got into Vazquez' vehicle to search for an individual responsible for breaking out the windows of Vazquez' car.

Police say Vazquez got out of his vehicle and was crossing 16th Street when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Milwaukee police are still looking for the striking vehicle.

Police are looking for a 1992 Honda Accord 4-door, gold, Wisconsin plate number 703-RYW.

The vehicle should have damage to the front and right fender and may have a damaged windshield. Police believe the vehicle is likely parked somewhere on the south side.

Anyone with information on this important piece of evidence is asked to call 414-935-7360.

The criminal complaint says Vazquez was admitted to the NICU with severe head injuries and a laceration to his right elbow. Vazquez later died.

The criminal complaint says Perez admitted to her ex-girlfriend that he had been involved in a crash and fled the scene. Perez told the woman he had seen on the news that the victim had died, and stated he was afraid and wanted to flee to Pennsylvania and burn the car.

Police later developed Perez as a suspect in the case, and he voluntarily turned himself in after police contacted him to do so.

If convicted in this case, Perez could face 25 years in prison, and $100,000 in fines.

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