MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man was charged after prosecutors say he drove into a car, causing the vehicle to smash into a house and into a pedestrian, killing the woman.
James C. Mitchell, 23, was charged with knowingly operating a motor vehicle while suspended - causing death, a felony. If Mitchell is convicted, he could face up to six years behind bars or up to $10,000 in fines.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee police officers responded to a crash involving a fire in the area of North 24th Place and West Center Street on Oct. 3.
There, officers found an Audi on the sidewalk and a Ford Expedition up against a building. The pedestrian was being treated by paramedics and the driver of the Ford was at the scene.
The pedestrian passed away on the way to the hospital. A medical examiner later concluded she died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle.
The occupants of the Audi had apparently left, the complaint states. Witnesses told police that several people ran out of the car following the crash.
The driver of the Ford later told officers that she was driving across an intersection when a white sedan smashed into her.
An investigation from MPD concluded that the impact of the crash caused the Ford to spin and hit the pedestrian.
Officers eventually found the owner of the Audi, identified as Mitchell. He told them he was driving the vehicle with two cousins when he crashed into a vehicle. He said he blacked out, and was awoken by someone. He then realized that his Audi was on fire.
He blacked out again and awoke at the hospital, according to police.
Mitchell's license has been suspended.
