City leaders ask governor for help curbing Milwaukee's 'insane' driving problem
Milwaukee aldermen ask Gov. Evers for help after girl died, 2 kids critically injured in hit-and-run Thursday night
Milwaukee aldermen ask Gov. Evers for help after girl died, 2 kids critically injured in hit-and-run Thursday night
Milwaukee aldermen ask Gov. Evers for help after girl died, 2 kids critically injured in hit-and-run Thursday night
The Milwaukee Common Council sent a letter to Gov. Tony Evers, asking him to send any resources that could help Milwaukee police curb reckless driving.
The letter was sent the day after three children were struck while crossing the street at 22nd and Center streets.
A 6-year-old girl died, and a 10-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl are in critical condition. The driver fled the scene.
In the letter to Evers, Milwaukee aldermen said police and the Wisconsin State Patrol have done what they can in recent months for traffic enforcement, "but until those driving in Milwaukee are compelled to obey laws we seem now to take for granted, we fear more will be injured and worse."
Aldermen also announced preliminary results from a Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force brought together to find ways to curb reckless driving.
"This task force has brought together the Milwaukee Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, the district attorney's office, members of the public, government officials and community-based organizations to change behavior from a three-pronged approach: engineering solutions, accountability and enforcement, and prevention and education," the letter to Evers said.
Milwaukee aldermen held a news conference on the matter Saturday morning at the scene of Thursday's fatal hit-and-run crash.
Alderman Russell Stamper called for stricter traffic enforcement to help curb what city leaders call Milwaukee’s "insane" driving problem.
Common Council members said they're pursuing several options to curb reckless driving, including asking the governor for resources, allotting up to $200,000 in overtime for police in traffic enforcement and continuing public outreach.
"You will be held responsible for this type of behavior that's going on in this city because the community is saying they're fed up with your behavior, and there has to be consequences for what it is that you’re putting this community through," Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton said.
Neighbors who live near 22nd and Center street told WISN 12 News they deal with dangerous drivers every day.
"These idiots do this all the time. This is a school right here. These is our kids. This is our village, but you idiots act like you ain't got no damn sense. Excuse me, but I'm pissed off," said Arthur Canion, who lives near the intersection. "Them is babies. Them is my babies. It's my village. Act like you've got some damn sense."
"This used to be a well-brought-up residential neighborhood and it can still be that but parents, grandparents have to take back this neighborhood. They have to take initiative," said Dennis Gray, who grew up around 22nd and Center streets. "The speeding of these cars going up and down these streets, going nowhere. They ride through this neighborhood at 100 mph and they'll go right to Center and 20th, to the gas station to put $5 worth of gas in their car. Doesn't make any sense, it's nonsense. We have to do better as a community."