MILWAUKEE — Phyllis Kim Evans was a few miles from her home when she was hit during a high-speed police chase near Fond Du Lac and Locust on June 22.
The chase started when an officer said they spotted a stolen white Jeep Renegade. Two juveniles in the stolen SUV were taken into custody. The stolen vehicle hit Phyllis' car with such force it burst into flames.
"Everything just blew up in my face. I was like, 'Oh, my god! Please get whoever in this car out of there because they are going to die if they stay in there,' " said a witness of the scene of the crash.
Phyllis was taken to the hospital and stayed in the intensive care unit. She is now in a wheelchair and working on regaining mobility on the left side of her body.
"My mom doesn't deserve this! She is a great lady, loves this city, and the city played a role in what transpired," said Phyllis' son, Rynale Counce.
Rynale would like city officials and Milwaukee Police to change their chase policy. Milwaukee Police changed their pursuit policy after the department saw a dramatic increase in carjackings and mobile drug traffickers in 2017.
"I would like to see what facts or case studies led them to believe this is the proper way to do things. I would like for them to stop. I beg for them to stop. I don't know what it's going to take. We have lost officers, innocent people," said Rynale.
He also wants the minors involved and other juveniles to understand the consequences of dangerous actions.
"I would like for them to see my mom. I would like (them) to see the results of what they did. I would like for their parents to see my mom."
Rynale said it's tough to see his independent mother go through this. She worked for We Energies for 41 years and serviced the city during elections as the chief inspector on 24th and Burleigh for over 20 years.
"I beg for them to stop. I don't know what it's going to take. We have lost officers, innocent people." — Rynale Counce, whose mother was seriously injured in a high-speed chase as a bystander
"It's tough; she's a fighter," said Rynale.
Phyllis has a long road to recovery, and the hospital bills are mounting.
"My mom is going to need help more than anything, and that's what it's about — my mom," said Rynale.
If you would like to help the family with medical expenses, click here or contact Rynale at rynalecounce@gmail.com.
