In a harrowing incident on Milwaukee’s Interstate 43, an 18-year-old pregnant woman was critically injured, and her unborn child was killed following a police pursuit connected to recent armed carjackings. The chase also resulted in the shooting of a 17-year-old boy and minor injuries to four other teenagers in the vehicle.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman provided details at a press conference about the dramatic sequence of events that unfolded on Thursday afternoon. The pursuit began around 2:30 p.m. when officers attempted to stop a vehicle linked to two armed carjackings earlier in the day on North Broadway and North Jefferson Street.
Refusing to stop, the vehicle sped onto I-43 and into a construction zone near West Vienna Avenue. Here, the suspect vehicle was hemmed in by construction equipment and a cement truck. Attempting to escape, the driver reversed into a police squad car twice and nearly struck an officer positioned behind the vehicle. In response, an officer fired into the vehicle, hitting two teenagers.
Officers questioned the construction workers who witnessed the shooting. Sadly, despite medical efforts, the 18 year old females unborn child did not survive. The other teen, a 17-year-old boy, was also injured but is expected to recover.
Inside the vehicle were six young occupants, all aged between 15 and 18. The remaining four teens were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. Thankfully, no officers or other members of the public were harmed during the incident.
The officer involved in the shooting, a 25-year-old with over four years of service, has been placed on administrative duty as per Milwaukee Police Department policy. The West Allis Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting. The officers name has not been released.
Chief Norman noted that it remains unclear whether any occupants of the vehicle fired at the officers. However, a firearm was discovered inside the car.
This incident underscores a growing issue in Milwaukee: the alarming rise in carjackings. In 2023, the city saw 450 carjackings, a 16% increase from the previous year. This troubling trend has continued into 2024, with carjackings already up by 12% compared to the same period last year.
The chase and subsequent shooting led to significant traffic disruptions. Interstate 43 was closed from Capitol Drive to Locust Street during the evening rush hour, causing southbound traffic to back up as far as East Bradley Road in Fox Point and through the Marquette interchange.
As the community grapples with the shock of this tragic event, questions are being raised about the handling of the pursuit and the policies governing police use of force. This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement but also the critical need for strategies to address the root causes of rising violent crimes like carjacking.
As investigations continue, the Milwaukee community awaits answers and reflects on the deepening crisis of violence and the urgent need for effective measures to ensure safety and justice for all residents.
