18-Year-Old Driver Charged in Fatal Milwaukee Hit-and-Run
Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on February 26, 2015
in Car Accidents
Updated on April 25, 2024
On Feb. 26, a young Milwaukee man fled a hit-and-run accident in a stolen Chevy Tahoe and struck several vehicles, killing an older couple only one block away from their own home.
Eighteen-year-old Michael E. Hobbs was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree reckless homicide, two counts of hit-and-run causing death and two counts of operating a motor vehicle without consent of the owner.
According to Milwaukee police, Hobbs was in the Tahoe with two 14-year-old girls, a 16-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man. At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, the group ran stop sign at Wilbur Ave. and S. 84th St.
The Tahoe was traveling at approximately 80 miles per hour down the road when it struck a car. Both the car and the Tahoe continued eastbound when the Tahoe struck another vehicle, killing both occupants instantly. They were identified by police as Bernard A. Hanson, 74, and his wife, Mary C. Hanson, 64, both local residents. They lived only a block away, reports indicate.
A third vehicle was hit, but both the driver and passenger sustained minor injuries.
After the incidents, police recovered surveillance video from a nearby home and noticed two men exited the Tahoe and get into another vehicle. From that footage, police were able to find the driver of the getaway vehicle, who identified Hobbs as the driver of the Tahoe.
Hobbs admitted to driving, and claimed that, prior to the incident, he and a few friends were driving through the city when they decided to pick up a friend on the south side. According to Hobbs, they picked up their friend and were heading east on W. Wilbur Ave. when the girls asked him to drive faster. Hobbs then sped up to 80 miles per hour and entered the intersection of S. 84th St. without braking.
Hobbs told police that he was aware the Tahoe was stolen. It was taken from the 900 block of S. 34th St. on Feb. 19. The keys were left in the ignition while it was idling. Hobbs said that he knew he would be caught because he left his jacket and phone in the stolen vehicle.
Lawyers for Hit-and-Run Victims
This accident is a tragic reminder that hit-and-run collisions are not only irresponsible and unfair to the victim, but that they can have devastating consequences. No driver in the state of Wisconsin is permitted to the leave the scene of an accident especially one which results in injuries before they are released by police.
If you or someone you love has been victimized by the selfish actions of a hit-and-run driver, you deserve justice and you have the right to pursue compensation from the liable party. A reputable Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help to determine if you have a case. For more information and a free review of your claim, contact a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer from PKSD at 414-333-3333 .
Call 414-333-3333 or fill out our free case evaluation form.