MILWAUKEE — A 19-year-old was arrested after allegedly crashing into a cellphone store following a police chase Monday night in Milwaukee.
The chase began around 8:30 p.m. Monday when the driver allegedly refused to stop for a traffic stop near 35th Street and Scott Street, according to police. Officers said the 19-year-old was driving recklessly.
Watch: Driver arrested after police chase ends with crash into Milwaukee cellphone store
The pursuit ended when the driver allegedly ran a red light and collided with another vehicle before crashing into a Total Wireless store near 35th Street and Vliet Street.
During the chase, a squad car involved in the pursuit was also struck by an uninvolved vehicle while pursuing the 19-year-old near 35th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, police said.
The driver was arrested after a foot pursuit following the crash. On Tuesday, the front of the cellphone store was boarded up. Video from inside the store shows damage from the collision.
Police said suspected illegal narcotics were recovered and that the vehicle was determined to have been stolen. No injuries were reported in either crash.
It’s unclear to what extent the building was damaged.
Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Some people in the neighborhood expressed frustration over repeated crashes at 35th and Vliet and over police pursuits that put the community at risk.
"It's horrible. I think it's a tragedy on both ends. Police officers get hurt all the time. Members of the community get hurt. I think at that point justice isn't being served for anyone," resident Vendala Greer said.
Maleik Moore shared Greer's perspective and said he'd like to see cameras help with enforcement as an alternative to pursuits.
"The cameras on the street lights they should just keep doing that. I mean that's catching people. I got a ticket in the mail off a little street light before," Moore stated.
TMJ4 asked the Milwaukee Police Department if it is reviewing policy in light of the multiple pursuits ending in a crash in recent weeks.
In an email MPD sent the following response:
"The safety of all community members and our officers is paramount to the Milwaukee Police Department. The dangers of pursuing a vehicle are considered during each pursuit. The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with our community to build sustainable healthy neighborhoods, free of crime."
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