MILWAUKEE — Scott Edward Perez, 34, was charged Monday for a variety of counts relating to the stabbing of a man who is friends with the mother of his children.
On August 9, Perez requested a private taxi to take him to the airport, telling the driver his friend recommended his services. Perez had called with a blocked number and the driver requested he call back from a number that was not blocked to continue with his request for a ride.
The driver is friends with the mother of Perez's children, according to the complaint.
The driver picked up Perez in a 2015 Lincoln on 37th and Lapham and stated he did not recognize the man who was waiting with a duffel bag.
Once in the car, the two exchanged pleasantries and Perez asked the driver if he had a girlfriend or wife. The driver noted he was friends with a person with the same name as the mother of Perez's children.
Perez then reached around the driver's seat and stabbed the driver in the neck. The driver tried to grab the knife from Perez and seriously lacerated his hand, according to the complaint.
A witness saw the driver free himself from his seat belt and exit the car which was slowly swerving on the 4500 block of Howell. Perez then moved to the driver's side of the Lincoln and continued driving around the area as the stabbing victim sought help from a nearby residence.
Later that afternoon, a man was approached by Perez at Wilson Park off of West Howard Avenue. Perez asked if he had a lighter and if he could use it.
Perez was then observed going back to the stolen Lincoln and lighting the center console on fire.
Fingerprints were lifted from the burned Lincoln and matched the defendant who was later identified in a live lineup by the stabbing victim and the man who lent him a lighter.
Perez is charged with one count of attempted first degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon, one count of armed robbery and one count of arson.
If convicted, Perez could face over 100 years in prison and over $100,000 in fines.
