MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — A 30-year-old man has been formally charged following a hit-and-run crash Sunday, August 27, in northwest Milwaukee that led to the death of a 11-year-old boy, reports TMJ4.
The fatal incident took place near West Hoyt Place and West Fond du Lac Avenue, in the Grasslyn Manor area. Milwaukee Police were called to the scene at about 3:15 p.m.
Witness accounts suggest two drivers in a Lexus and a Challenger were engaged in a race down Fond du Lac Avenue and traveling at about 80 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone. The driver in the Challenger reportedly swerved to avoid a crash with the victim, who was on a bicycle. Moments later, however, the driver in the Lexus was seen striking the boy.
The driver of the Challenger also alleged that he had passed two child cyclists in the bike lane when he heard and then observed, through his mirror, the sound of the Lexus striking one of the young cyclists. After the Lexus fled the scene, a passenger was seen getting out of the vehicle before the striking vehicle continued away.
The victim, who was rushed to a local hospital with major neck and internal injuries, succumbed to his injuries on August 30, three days after the crash.
Authorities said the suspect, Sylvester Thomas, identified and turned himself in on the following day, August 28. Investigators noted that significant front-end damage, a smashed windshield, and marks on the vehicle are consistent with the bicycle crash.
Thomas has since been charged with “one felony county of reckless homicide” in the second degree, and “one felony count of hit and run – resulting in death.” He could be facing a maximum of 50 years in prison, in addition to fines totaling $200,000.
Our dedicated team of Milwaukee bike accident lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC is personally invested in helping families like yours fight for the compensation they deserve after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a recent bike crash caused by a reckless driver, we are ready to support you in the legal process. Reach out at 414-488-6870 or online to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
