MILWAUKEE — Police said officers arrested a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run near 100th and Capitol Drive in Milwaukee on Thursday morning.
According to Milwaukee police, a 20-year-old man was arrested in connection to the crash on Friday.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as 32-year-old Erin Marie Mogensen. The autopsy confirmed she was about 7-8 weeks pregnant.
The ME's narrative report stated the posted speed limit in the area of the crash was 35 miles per hour and the striking vehicle was estimated to be traveling at a rate of 100 miles per hour.
According to Milwaukee Police, Wauwatosa Police were chasing a stolen vehicle but had to end their pursuit.
Not long after, the suspect crashed the stolen car into another car, killing that driver, a 32-year-old woman.
The suspect's car had been reported stolen days earlier, according to MPD.
Wauwatosa Police Chief Chief James MacGillis said, "This death is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow reckless driving on our roads... It hurts us that an innocent person died today because of someone's irresponsible behavior."
In surveillance video obtained by TMJ4 News, the suspect runs away on foot shortly after the crash. The suspect then runs behind an Amoco Gas Station and jumps a fence, as seen in the video.
Watch surveillance video of crash (edited not to show impact) :
Par Kler works at the Amoco right across from the crash. He said he was stocking the store's cooler when he heard a loud bang.
"I saw there was a very bad accident out there. And I saw the guy running off and jumping the fence," said Kler. "That's very sad, someone's life is taken away by a hit and run. That's very sad to hear that."
"Have you seen other traffic accidents around the area of this gas station?" asked TMJ4's Bruce Harrison.
Kler replied, "I've been working here about five-six years now, and I've seen quite a few accidents on Capitol Drive."
Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the upcoming days, according to MPD.
MPD's statement is below:
Milwaukee Police are investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at approximately 10:42 a.m., on W. Capitol Drive at N. 100 Street. Prior to the crash, a Wauwatosa police officer tried to stop a vehicle, which fled. The officer terminated pursuit, however, the vehicle (Unit #1) continued to flee and crashed with an uninvolved vehicle (Unit #2). The driver of the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot. The suspect vehicle had been reported stolen days earlier. The driver of unit #2, a 32-year-old, sustained fatal injuries. Milwaukee Police continue to seek an unknown suspect. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.
Wauwatosa Police's statement is below:
A Wauwatosa resident is dead and a suspect is at large following a fatal hit and run motor vehicle crash on W. Capitol Dr. at N. 100 St. This death is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow reckless driving on our roads. Earlier today, a Wauwatosa police officer tried to conduct a routine traffic stop on a vehicle with no license plates. Instead of stopping, the individual driving the vehicle decided to flee. As the officer initially gave chase, the driver sped up, driving dangerously. The officer stopped pursuing. The driver continued to speed away, showing an utter disregard for our community. The driver caused an awful crash, which resulted in the death of an innocent woman. It was later learned that the fleeing vehicle had been reported stolen. The Wauwatosa Police Department has been, and is committed to, combatting reckless driving. We partner with area police agencies on a regular basis through targeted enforcement strategies to get through to those dangerous drivers that their behavior needs to stop. It hurts us that an innocent person died today because of someone’s irresponsible behavior. Please continue to support us as we do our part in working toward a solution to this ongoing problem of reckless driving. The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is conducting the criminal investigation, and are seeking the driver, who fled the crash scene on foot. We thank MPD and the Wauwatosa Fire Department for their responses and work at the scene. Lastly, we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this crash.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
