Early on the morning of June 28th, two women lost their lives as a police pursuit came to an end. The driver behind the wheel of the Jeep they were in is still on the run. Milwaukee police are still investigating the situation.
Authorities in Milwaukee say that officers observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed around 12:54 a.m. on the 28th. Police then saw the same vehicle run a red light at South Cesar E. Chavez Dr. and West Greenfield Ave. At that point they attempted to initiate a traffic stop for reckless driving.
They claim that in the ensuing moments, the Jeep driver fled from police, lost control, and crashed into a vacant building on the 2300 block of West Hopkins St. Two passengers, 20-year-old Haley Fehrenbach, and 28-year-old Kyra Johnson, died as a result of the crash. They both perished on the scene despite attempted life-saving measures by the Milwaukee Fire Department.
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Somehow, the driver managed to escape the scene before police could catch them. Locals explained to local Fox6News how the crash has already impacted them. “It was horrible,” said Rickey Thomas, a neighbor. “It was loud. Boom. Bang. You hear stuff just falling, cling, cling cling, bricks moving. I look up and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God. This didn’t have to happen.'”
The building that the Jeep crashed into is home to a business that helps local women with jobs, counseling, and mentoring. The owner, Mickell Daniels, said “I feel for the families, but on the other side, this my baby. This my dream, and just seeing the building look like it’s about to collapse, it’s a lot for me.”
Police say this is an ongoing investigation and that they’d like those with more information to help them do their job by calling 414-935-7360. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
Image Credit: Fox6News