Vigil to be held for pregnant woman struck by car



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A vigil has been planned in honor of Ashley Williams -- a mother who was struck by an SUV and subsequently lost her unborn baby.

The vigil is planned at the gas station at 3rd and Locust -- where Williams was struck. The baby's father, and Williams' boyfriend will join family members and loved ones for this vigil, that begins at 6:00 p.m.

Community Activist Tracey Dent, who is organizing the vigil, says Williams will spend Mother's Day in the hospital -- without her unborn baby.

Police say 23-year-old Williams was listed in serious condition after she was struck.

The woman's boyfriend was with her when she was struck.

"He wanted to get to the hospital and they were trying to calm him down so that they could just question him and let him go to the hospital," a witness told FOX6 News.

Police say the car had swerved out of the way of a vehicle that had stopped, and was attempting to make a left turn onto Locust Street. The driver hit the woman, a monument and a gas pump before coming to a stop.

"Parts of the car flew everywhere and then it kind of went into the gas pump and everyone was concerned it was gonna blow up or catch on fire," the witness said.

Police say the driver (a 24-year-old man) that struck the woman is cooperating with the investigation, though he initially fled the scene on foot. Police say there is no reason to believe alcohol was involved.