West Allis police chase into Milwaukee; squad hit, driver charged
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - A man is accused of leading West Allis police on a chase into Milwaukee on Monday, Dec. 16.
Prosecutors said 24-year-old Austin Ford caused multiple crashes and drove a stolen car through King Park during the pursuit, which spanned more than four miles.
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Police chase begins
West Allis police were called to a Taco Bell near 58th and National, where prosecutors said a stolen Mazda was spotted in the parking lot. An officer pulled behind the car and turned on his lights, but the car began to drive in a circle and left the lot – sparking the pursuit.
West Allis police chase; squad hit, 2 arrests made
A car theft, hit-and-run and a police chase all landed a 24-year-old Milwaukee man in jail on Monday, Dec. 16.
From the Taco Bell parking lot, court filings said the chase went onto Greenfield Avenue and then onto 60th Street. The Mazda hit a marked and another vehicle on 60th Street.
The Mazda kept going, heading onto National Avenue where prosecutors said speeds reached 95 mph. The speeding car got within 10 feet of a pedestrian who was crossing at 50th Street. Eventually, the chase made its way to Layton Boulvevard, where speeds increased to 100 mph.
King Park
The complaint states, as the chase entered Milwaukee, the Mazda slowed to a near stop and veered to the right. A pursuing officer then clipped the back of the Mazda with his squad. The officer then used a PIT maneuver on 14th Street, causing the Mazda to spin out – but the driver was able to turn and keep going, driving into a yard and through King Park. No one was at the park at the time.
Prosecutors said the Mazda ultimately got stuck on top of a boulder near the park's sidewalk. The officer got out and "could hear the operator still attempting to accelerate away. The driver climbed into the back, got out and ran.
Austin Ford
The officer ordered Ford to get on the ground, per the complaint, but he kept running until he got to a fence line near 17th and Highland. The officer then tased Ford and took him into custody.
A search of the Mazda uncovered a methamphetamine pill and a handgun, according to court filings.
The complaint states the chase covered a total of 4.9 miles, during which Ford drove on the wrong side of traffic and ran red lights at times.
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In court
In all, Ford is charged with:
- Vehicle operator fleeing/eluding officer (three counts)
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Misdemeanor obstructing an officer
Court records show Ford's bond was set at $25,000. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing later this month.