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“We`re hurt and we`re angry:” Could justice come soon for family of man killed in hit-and-run crash?
"We`re hurt and we`re angry:" Could justice come soon for family of man killed in hit-and-run crash?
MILWAUKEE -- A break in the case? Family members of the victim tell FOX6 News a man has turned himself in following a violent weekend crash that killed a young father and left his baby boy fighting for his life. The man's wife was also injured when the vehicle she was driving was struck near 18th and Atkinson.
Family members say police have told them they're questioning the man who turned himself in to determine whether he is, in fact, responsible for the crash that killed 26-year-old Rio Washington. Washington's family is hopeful an arrest will be made soon.
Credit: Andre Lewis
"I just loved him so much," Washington's grandmother Wanda Scruggs said.
Rio Washington
In front of Scruggs & Sons Shoe Repair on Tuesday, June 2nd, family members and friends came together to remember Washington's life.
"I was so hurt when this happened," Scruggs said.
Washington's nickname was "Smiley."
"He was such a joy," Scruggs said.
Washington lost his life in a hit-and-run crash that happened at 18th and Atkinson on the city’s north side late Saturday, May 30th.
Officials say around 11 p.m., a driver in a Plymouth sedan was traveling northbound on 18th Street at a high rate of speed when the vehicle went through a stop sign at Atkinson. The vehicle struck a Pontiac sedan — which was completing a left turn from 18th to go east on Atkinson.
Rio Washington and Rio Washington Jr.
Rio Washington, a front seat passenger of the Pontiac died on scene from his injuries despite the efforts of first arriving Milwaukee police and fire units.
The driver, Washington's 25-year-old wife, was taken to the hospital. It is expected she will survive.
The couple’s one-year-old boy was strapped in a rear-facing child seat behind the driver. He sustained serious injuries — and is being treated at Children’s Hospital.
"I am just numb. I'm just running off adrenaline, just going through the motions," Scruggs said.
Some of this family's pain has now lessened as they say the driver who caused the crash may have turned himself in to police.
Rio Washington
"We're hurt and we're angry at him, but we also commend him for coming in and doing the right thing," Washington's father Chester Washington said.
"He turned himself in and for now, it's in God's hands. We won't see (Rio) again, but he'll never be forgotten. I am so glad the young man turned himself in. We know God is in control and we know that it will be alright. Everything will turn out fine," Scruggs said.
Rio Washington
While Washington's family believes the driver of the striking vehicle may have turned himself in, police said Tuesday night no one is in custody. More information should be made available on Wednesday, police say.
Washington's wife has been released from the hospital. She has been at her baby's side. The one-year-old boy was very seriously injured, and the family is asking for prayers.
CLICK HERE if you'd like to make a donation to a GoFundMe.com account established to help pay for Rio Washington's funeral.