Police looking for car involved in fatal hit-and-run motorcycle crash

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police are asking for your help in their search for a car that was involved in a hit-and-run crash with a motorcycle on Saturday, September 1st.

Javier Ortiz was riding a 2008 Kawasaki ZX600P sport bike he had borrowed from a friend eastbound on Mitchell St. near 19th St. around 4:45 p.m. Saturday, September 1st. A car that was traveling southbound on S. Pearl St. crossed W. Mitchell St. in the path of the motorcycle. In an apparent attempt to avoid the collision, Ortiz applied his brakes hard and was thrown from the motorcycle. Ortiz struck the right side of the rear bumper of the fleeing auto and later died as a result of his injuries.

According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's report in the case, also released Tuesday, September 4th, Ortiz was not wearing a helmet. A nurse at the hospital stated Ortiz suffered from massive head trauma as a result of being hit by the car.

Javier's friends and family members have been visiting the crash site ever since he was killed -- assembling a memorial.

"I was in shock. My parents are taking it pretty tough," Javier's brother, Melvin Ortiz said. Melvin took a leave from the Army for Javier's funeral.

Melvin told FOX6 News Javier was the father of a little girl, and loved cars and motorcycles. Javier was a mechanic by trade.

Melvin says the family wants answers.

"I want the truth. I want the person who did it to step forward. If it was an accident, my family's not holding any hate. We just want the truth," Melvin Ortiz said.

Police say based on video evidence, it should have been apparent to the driver of the vehicle that they were involved in the crash. The vehicle continued southbound on S. Pearl St. following the crash.

Police believe the fleeing auto (similar to the one in the photo above) is described is a tan 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville four-door with an unknown license plate number.

If you have information that could help police in this case, you're urged to call 414-935-7360. 

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