'A close call:' 17-year-old accused of leading pursuit after driving into crowd of protesters

Dayvon Chambers

MILWAUKEE -- Charges were filed Tuesday, Aug. 6 against a 17-year-old boy from Milwaukee, accused of leading police on a pursuit after driving into a crowd of protesters in an incident captured by FOX6's cameras on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 3.

Dayvon Chambers faces one count of flee or elude an officer for the incident that happened near 12th and Center.

According to a criminal complaint, officers following a large group of anti-violence protesters as they walked down the street observed a vehicle that was driven into the crowd, causing people to run to avoid being struck.

A FOX6 News camera captured the moments as people ran to safety.

"In fearing for himself, he put other people in jeopardy," said Tory Lowe, community activist.

Community activist, Tory Lowe, organized the march.

"Thank God that the police were escorting the parade," said Lowe.

According to the complaint, another driver said his vehicle was struck by the fleeing Chrysler before that. The driver said he was at the stop sign near 12th and Center, and noticed the large gathering of people walking in the street in front of him. He said the Chrysler reversed into him, and struck his front bumper. The driver of the Chrysler then drove through the crowd.

The gray Chrysler then headed east on Center Street.

An officer activated his siren to initiate a pursuit, which lasted 1.3 miles on city streets, and reached speeds of 65 miles per hour.

The pursuit ended when the passenger side front tire on the Chrysler became deflated.

Officers then "rushed the Chrysler," which stopped near 9th and Keefe. Chambers was arrested.

Tory Lowe

"That day, we just saw what we were actually demonstrating about, bringing awareness about the recklessness, the senseless behavior that leads up to violence," Lowe said.

According to the complaint, another driver said his vehicle was struck by the fleeing Chrysler near 12th and Center. The driver said he was at the stop sign, and noticed the large gathering of people walking in the street in front of him. He said the Chrysler reversed into him, and struck his front bumper. The driver of the Chyrsler then drove through the crowd.

"We were able to see firsthand why we were marching," Lowe said.

Chambers made his initial appearance in court on Tuesday. Cash bond was set at $2,500, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 15.