MILWAUKEE, WI — A man has been formally charged following a fatal pedestrian crash last October in northwest Milwaukee that fatally injured a woman and her dog, reports TMJ4.
The fatal incident occurred in the area of West Appleton Avenue and West Silver Spring Drive, on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at about 11:05 p.m. On Monday, June 5, 2023, Calvin Eugene Gardner received a charge of “one felony count of hit and run – resulting in death.”
Investigators say 40-year-old Nicki Blanck Bohringer was walking her dog when she was struck by a driver who then fled the scene.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, and her dog later succumbed to its injuries.
Vehicle debris left at the crash site, including a piece of a license plate bracket, was later tied to a Buick Verano found parked in a nearby motel parking lot. Damage to the vehicle was found to be consistent with the crash, and officials soon identified the suspect as the owner of the vehicle.
A witness who was also able to link the suspect to the scene said she witnessed another vehicle striking the victim, despite her attempts to stop traffic.
The criminal complaint indicates the suspect modified sections of his statement during the investigation, particularly after learning of motel security footage that was recovered.
On June 3, Gardner admitted that he owned the vehicle, but that it had been stolen and not reported. He said he was walking down Silver Spring at around the time of the crash when he spotted his car and pushed it to the motel since it was disabled. He reportedly did see the victim and dog in the roadway, and noted the damage to his vehicle, but did not make the connection that the car was involved.
On Tuesday, a $5,000 cash bond was set for Gardner. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 12. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted.
Our experienced team of Milwaukee pedestrian accident lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC is personally invested in helping families like yours fight for maximum compensation after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by a reckless driver, we are ready to work on your behalf. Call us at 414-488-6870 or reach out online to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
