A late-night police pursuit on Milwaukee’s north side ended in tragedy, leaving three people dead and renewing calls to rethink the dangers of high-speed chases in the city.
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The deadly crash happened near 35th Street and Vliet Street, where debris and flowers now mark the scene. For many residents, the heartbreak is familiar — another reminder of the risks tied to police pursuits.
Samuel Htoo, who lost a close friend in the wreck, said the loss hit especially hard because he once fled from police himself.
“I’ve been in a high-speed chase, and I’ll say, driving reckless like that is very stupid, causing an innocent life,” Htoo said. “He was a hard worker for his family and deserves justice after someone struck him and his family, killing them on 35th and Vliet.”
Some families see a troubling pattern. In January, 70-year-old Beverly Fair was killed in a separate police chase. Her relatives, Jazmene and Charles Fair, said the latest tragedy mirrors their own loss.
“The whole trajectory of this family — present, future, everything — has been changed,” Jazmene said.
“When are we going to start valuing the lives of people in the inner city?” she added.
Charles Fair questioned whether chases achieve their purpose.
“I don’t see where police chases help,” he said. “You’ve got a guy’s address — go arrest him next week.”
The Milwaukee Police Department has not yet released details about the pursuit or those killed, but the incident adds pressure on city leaders to review policies balancing public safety and accountability.
For now, grieving families are left with sorrow — and a plea for change.
“The safest way is just pull over,” Htoo said. “To my brothers out there, it’s not worth it.”