Late Friday night in Wauwatosa, a wrong-way hit-and-run on Mayfair Road near the Menomonee River Parkway left a 21-year-old Milwaukee woman fighting for her life, police said. Officers arrested a suspect after the crash and later took a second driver into custody when a car hit a parked squad while crews were still working the scene. The back-to-back incidents led to two separate OWI arrests and shut down the Mayfair corridor into the overnight hours.
Wrong-Way Crash, Arrests and Injuries
According to Wauwatosa police, officers were called around 11:58 p.m. for reports of a Ford F-250 heading south in the northbound lanes, sideswiping a caller’s vehicle before slamming into a Pontiac Vibe near Mayfair Road and Watertown Plank Road. The impact caused the smaller car to roll over.
The only person in the Vibe, a 21-year-old woman from Milwaukee, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was listed in critical but stable condition, police said.
Investigators say the F-250 driver, a 46-year-old man from Eagle, ran from the crash site but was caught a short distance away. Officers reported signs of intoxication, and police say he became uncooperative at the hospital. He was transported to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility on counts that include OWI, causing injury, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, operating while suspended and battery to health care providers, according to CBS58.
Squad Struck While Crews Worked the Scene
While investigators were handling the rollover and the roadway remained closed, a Wauwatosa police squad parked with its lights on at Mayfair Road and Walnut Street was hit by a Mercury sedan, authorities said. The driver of that car, a 28-year-old man from Pleasant Prairie, also showed signs of intoxication and was arrested on suspicion of OWI, 1st offense, according to police.
The double hit on the same stretch of road underscores the danger emergency crews face working on the shoulder. State transportation officials and local outlets have repeatedly reminded drivers to move over or slow down when they see flashing lights. TMJ4 has reported on that ongoing outreach and Wisconsin’s move-over reminders.
Charges and Legal Context
Police say the pickup driver faces multiple counts and remains in custody while investigators prepare reports for the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.
Under Wisconsin law, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing injury is handled under Wis. Stat. §346.63 and carries tougher penalties than a standard OWI. The criminal level depends on how severe the injuries are and whether the driver has prior OWI convictions. The statute and related sentencing rules spell out how causing injury or great bodily harm can elevate the charge and potential punishment, according to Justia.
Wauwatosa police say investigations into both crashes are still active. They plan to release additional information as it becomes available and urged anyone with tips to contact the department, according to CBS58.
