Milwaukee fatal crash, 20th and Burleigh; fleeing driver charged
20th and Burleigh fatal crash, man charged
A 40-year-old Milwaukee man is charged after police say he fled from a traffic stop because of an outstanding warrant, killing another driver. The man instead gave another reason for why he fled.
MILWAUKEE - A 40-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged in connection to a fatal crash that happened on Sunday, Feb. 25 near 20th and Burleigh in Milwaukee.
The accused, Robert Jones, is facing one count of vehicle operator flee/elude officer resulting in the death of another and possession of a firearm by a felon. He made his initial appearance in Milwaukee County court on Friday, March 1.
"The defendant is a really dangerous individual with a high flight risk. Just his actions show it," said Kevin Clancy, assistant district attorney.
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According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Feb. 25, officers spotted a silver Acura traveling at a "high rate of speed" southbound near 27th and Burleigh.
Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle near 25th and Burleigh. The vehicle reportedly came to a halt on the side of the road, before merging back into traffic.
Robert Jones
Scene near Hopkins and Burleigh
At the intersection of 20th and Burleigh, the Acura collided with a northbound vehicle, a gray Mazda sedan. A 30-year-old man in the Mazda died as a result of the crash. The victim was identified as Amari Smith. A GoFundMe online fundraiser was established in Smith's memory.
After the collision, Robert Jones allegedly got out of the Acura and ran towards the cemetery on Teutonia Avenue. Police located Jones lying down in the cemetery. He was taken into custody. A black semi-automatic firearm was found in the driver's seat of the Acura.
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"He was fleeing because he knew about his outstanding warrant and he likely knew about his extremely lengthy and serious criminal history," Clancy said.
During an interview with police, Jones said he was driving the Acura when police tried to stop him. He allegedly stated that he knew he had a warrant and if he got arrested his wife would probably leave him, so he attempted to flee. Jones said after the crash, he got scared and ran through the graveyard, according to the complaint.
In court Friday, Jones' cash bond was set at $20,000.