Charles Randle accused of striking bicyclist with car, fleeing scene: 'God made him tell the truth'

Charles Randle

MILWAUKEE -- A 31-year-old Milwaukee is charged in connection with the death of Anthony Barnes -- who was struck while riding his bicycle near 35th and Wright early Sunday, Jan. 26. The accused is Charles Randle. He faces the following criminal counts:

The crash happened near 35th Street and Wright around 1:30 a.m. Police said Barnes, 53, was hit while on a bicycle and the driver fled the scene. First-responders attempted life-saving measures, but Barnes died as a result of his injuries.

Bicyclist struck at 35th and Wright, Milwaukee

According to the criminal complaint, the collision between the vehicle and Barnes was captured by a pole camera nearby.

Anthony Barnes

A witness also saw what happened -- and offered a detailed description to investigators. In the complaint, the witness said he was in a vehicle traveling southbound on N. 35th Street. The person said there was a county bus in front of him -- and that he waited for the bus to turn. The witness told investigators he noticed a maroon Pontiac G6 behind him (later identified as Randle's vehicle) -- and "it appeared...the driver became angered at (the witness) for not passing the transit bus. (The witness) indicated that as he continued to drive southbound on N. 35th Street, this Pontiac G6 accelerated and passed him on the right side as he approached Center Street." The witness said the driver of the G6 was staring him down as he passed.

The complaint goes on to say after the witness was passed by the G6, the vehicle "maneuvered in front of (the witness') car and slammed on the brakes." The witness said he drove around the G6 and continued on. But as the witness approached the intersection of 35th and Wright, he "observed the victim on a bicycle." The witness told investigators he slowed for the bicyclist. But moments later, the G6 passed his vehicle. The witness told police, "the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, struck the victim and continued traveling southbound on North 35th Street." The witness told police the G6 "did not brake at all at either the time of striking the victim or afterwards."

Bicyclist struck at 35th and Wright, Milwaukee

When questioned by investigators, the complaint says Randle "originally told police that the vehicle (G6) had been stolen from him during a carjacking but later admitted that he wanted to tell the truth and that he did not stop after the crash because he was scared. The defendant indicated that the victim was riding a bicycle and that the defendant just didn't see the victim because the victim didn't have on lights or anything." Randle indicated in the complaint that "he was relieved that he told the police he had been the driver and that he thought God made him tell the truth."

Charles Randle

When detectives left the room and allowed Randle to remain in the room while they got water, Randle said, "Sorry this happened to you sir, I did not mean to kill you," the complaint says. Randle continued by saying, "They are booking my (expletive) and I'm going to get years for this." The complaint says he also "looked at the camera and stated that he was going to take responsibility for everything."

Randle made his initial appearance in court on Friday, Jan. 31. Cash bond was set at $15,000 -- and Randle is set to appear for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 7.

If convicted, Randle faces up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Charles Randle

Mary McCoy

Statement of Mary McCoy, Anthony Barnes' mother

Camille Barnes

Statement of Camille Barnes, Anthony Barnes' sister