"I'm at a loss for words:" Two drivers could face charges in hit-and-run crash that left man dead
NEW BERLIN -- A man walking near Greenfield Avenue and Coachlight Drive was hit by two vehicles -- and neither driver stopped at the scene. The 33-year-old man who was hit lost his life as a result.
It happened early Saturday, October 31st.
Tony Villari
Officials say officers from New Berlin and Brookfield responded to the crash scene shortly before 5:30 a.m. at the intersection of Greenfield Avenue and Coachlight Drive. A man walking in the area had been struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Greenfield Avenue.
Officials say the suspect vehicle did not stop -- and continued east on Greenfield Avenue. That vehicle was located a short while later on Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee County. The driver was taken into custody.
According to police, a second vehicle ran over the pedestrian after already being hit. That vehicle was later found by police -- and the driver turned himself in later that same day.
Family members tell FOX6 News the victim in this case is Tony Villari. New Berlin police say Villari is from Brookfield.
Flowers, cards and a golf ball for the avid golfer now lay at the scene where this incident occurred.
Memorial for Tony Villari, killed in hit-and-run in New Berlin
"I have a hard time wrapping my head around this," Michael Cranston, who lives nearby said. "My understanding is when he got hit, they left him laying in the street. How you could do that to somebody?"
Police say the driver of the first vehicle that hit Villari is a 20-year-old Milwaukee man. He was arrested near 89th and Greenfield shortly after the incident. His damaged vehicle was spotted by an officer in the area.
Tony Villari
The driver of the second vehicle is a 73-year-old New Berlin man. Police say he turned himself into police later on Saturday.
Police say it's not clear how much time elapsed between the first and second vehicle striking Villari.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor for either of the drivers involved, police say.
"Both left the scene, which is a hit-and-run involving a fatality -- which is a pretty serious charge as you can imagine, so both would be facing jail time if they were convicted of hit-and-run involving a fatality," New Berlin Police Captain Mike Glider said.
It will be up to the District Attorney's Office to determine what charges the men may face.
Meanwhile, Villari's family members are grieving the loss of a man they describe as good-hearted and compassionate.
"I'm just at a loss for words. There's not deep enough words to be said," Cranston said.
There have been quite a few hit-and-run incidents in recent weeks in and around the Milwaukee area. Police say especially this time of year -- with the recent time change, drivers should be extra cautious and watch for pedestrians -- especially at dawn and dusk.
Memorial for Tony Villari, killed in hit-and-run in New Berlin