In 2025, there were 9 fatal crashes from Milwaukee police pursuits — 6 people killed were innocent bystanders
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- This year alone – there have been nine Milwaukee Police Department police pursuits that have ended in fatal crashes. Six people from those nine crashes were innocent bystanders.
The department’s pursuit policy is under fire once again, following Thursday night’s Fire and Police Commission meeting
“He was killed. He was killed in a chase. In a reckless driving and police chase,” said Latrina Sims. “My son’s life was just taken. He was innocent. I can’t understand it.”
Sims testified about losing her only son after he was hit by a reckless driver during a police pursuit on August 23rd near 51st and Center.
From the start of this year to September, there have been 778 police pursuits in the city of Milwaukee.
“Can you raise your hands if you voted for your tax money to go towards the cops playing a game of Grand Theft Auto with civilians?” said Aurelia Seja with Milwaukee Alliance.
MPD’s police pursuit policy has had a long and complicated history. Between 2009 and 2010, four bystanders were killed in three separate police chases.
“At which time Chief Flynn changed the policy limiting it to those who are committing a violent felony,” said Assistant Chief Craig Sarnow with MPD at the meeting.
In 2017, the policy changed, with police pursuits now targeting reckless driving. Milwaukee Police Association’s President Alex Ayala says to reduce police pursuits, he wants to see more consequences for reckless drivers.
“You gotta do some serious time to know that it’s not a joke,” said Ayala. “My officers are not driving reckless. My officers have guidelines.”
On April 30th, near North 13th Street and North Green Bay Avenue, two teens in a vehicle MPD was chasing were killed.
On July 14th, a 55-year-old waiting at a bus stop was killed after a car sped off while officers tried to make a traffic stop.
On July 29th, near Humboldt and Brady, a 28-year-old man was killed after a reckless driver fled from police.
On April 6th, a 17-year-old driver fleeing from police was killed.
On August 23rd, Latrina Sims' son was killed near 51st and Center after being hit by a driver fleeing from police.
On September 16, near 31st and Vliet, a mother and her two sons were killed after a reckless driver fled a traffic stop.
“They laugh in our faces, they sit here and say they don't even have to discuss half of this s*** with us. And we're the ones who get to pay the price. We suffer,” said Ron Jansen, a resident.
In statement to CBS 58, MPD says it recognizes the impact these pursuits have on both its officers, the public, and the suspects writing, “MPD is committed to ensuring its training, policies, and risk mitigation strategies reflect national best practices.”
As of this year alone, MPD averages about 86 pursuits per month.