Crash involving off-duty Marquette police officer; victim now suing

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man is suing the off-duty police officer who rear-ended him in a crash in September. 

A little shy of 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, Colin Kelly's car was rear-ended a few blocks from his home near 22nd and Clybourn. Marquette police had just arrived on the scene. 

Officer: "Just two involved?"

Isaiah Espino: "Yeah, just me. I rear-ended him. That's my truck over there."

Espino happens to be an off-duty Marquette police officer. Body camera vide obtained by FOX6 News through an open records request shows some of his conversations with responding officers. Other parts were redacted. 

Officer: "One of the vehicles involved is gonna be a [redacted for six seconds]."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Overall, the body camera video does not show much – which adds frustration for Kelly. 

"What do you feel watching that?" asked FOX6's Sam Kraemer. 

Colin Kelly

"Um, well there's just a lot they cut out. I'm just wondering like what don't they want us to see?" Kelly answered. 

Initially, police did not cite Espino for the crash he said he caused. But now, an amended crash report shows "further investigation revealed the off-duty officer did not have any insurance." Police cited Espino for that and following too closely. The fine is $124 each. 

As for Kelly, he is suing Espino in small claims court – hoping to recoup his damages.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

"I relied on my car for everything and getting everywhere, and suddenly, that's gone," Kelly said. "I'm sure they'll come out with a public statement. It'll sound real nice. But actions speak louder than words, you know. And what I've seen from them has been just pathetic."

FOX6 News asked Marquette police for an interview or a statement on what happened. The department declined because a lieutenant said an internal investigation is ongoing.