'Ran because he was scared:' Man convicted after 90 mph pursuit by Bayside PD sentenced to prison
Kevin Cross
MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee man accused of leading Bayside police on a chase that reached speeds of roughly 90 miles-per-hour in November has been sentenced to prison.
Kevin Cross, 20, of Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 6 pleaded guilty to one count of second degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent.
He was then sentenced to serve two years and six months in prison, and three years and six months extended supervision on each charge -- to be served concurrently.
He was also sentenced in connection with two other cases filed against him.
In a case filed in October of 2017, he was convicted of possession of narcotic drugs, and obstructing an officer.
He was sentenced to serve one year in prison, and one year extended supervision on the first charge, and six months in the House of Correction on the second -- to be served concurrently.
In a case filed in July of 2017, he was convicted of possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent. He was sentenced to serve two years and six months in prison, and three years and six months extended supervision.
In all, Cross will serve two years and six months in prison, and three years and six months extended supervision.
According to the criminal complaint, a Bayside police officer on Nov. 18, 2017, "observed an SUV perform an unlawful U-turn to travel eastbound on West Brown Deer Road." The officer activated his emergency lights and siren to attempt a traffic stop. But Cross, who was behind the wheel of the SUV, did not slow down. The officer estimated Cross reached 90 miles-per-hour in a 35 miles-per-hour zone.
Crash at Brown Deer & Lake, Bayside
The complaint indicates when the SUV was approaching Lake Drive on Brown Deer Road, the officer "observed the vehicle fishtail and appeared to almost lose control." The officer turned off his lights and siren -- and eventually caught up with the SUV at Lake Drive and Brown Deer Road, where the SUV had "overturned on its roof." The vehicle knocked down a traffic sign and power pole.
Crash at Brown Deer & Lake, Bayside
The officer indicated in the complaint that he saw Cross run from the SUV "and into the wooded area of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center property." Despite attempts to get Cross to stop, he kept running. At one point, the officer "observed him crouched down in the grass." When the officer drew his firearm and ordered Cross to stop, Cross stood up and continued running. Eventually, the officer tackled Cross from behind. A second officer who arrived on the scene told Cross "he would be tased if he did not comply." Cross was taken into custody.
Gun recovered after Bayside police pursuit
A firearm was found on the ground next to where Cross and the officer had been struggling. It was a ".40 caliber with an extended magazine and was loaded." Officers also found "approximately 9.9. grams of marijuana" in the SUV, which had been reported stolen to Milwaukee police on November 2nd.
When questioned by police, Cross "estimated his speed to be approximately 70 mph on West Brown Deer Road." He admitted losing control of the SUV -- and "ran because he was scared." Cross said he found the handgun in the SUV, which he says he rented from a guy for $100.