MCTS bus driver in critical condition following police chase, crash on Christmas morning

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A 58-year-old man is in critical condition after his car was hit by a suspect vehicle Tuesday morning.

According to Milwaukee Police, a pursuit began around 10:40 a.m. near Becher St. and Kinnickinnic Ave. with a Chevrolet Equinox that was driving recklessly. The pursuit continued at a high rate of speed and the Equinox eventually hit a Ford Taurus driven by the 58-year-old man. 

The man had just finished his Christmas morning shift as an MCTS bus driver. He was exiting the station in his personal vehicle when the Equinox hit him in his Taurus. Surveillance video shows the moment the crash happened.

The bus driver was taken to the hospital to undergo surgery. MCTS is hoping to get an update on his condition soon.

"We're all upset to hear about what happened. He was just at work, doing his job, heading home for the day to his family on Christmas and something horrific like this happened," said Matt Sliker, MCTS.

"I saw the wreckage and wow, it really surprised me," said neighbor Miguel Aponte.

After seeing surveillance video of the crash, Aponte is glad to hear the bus driver is alive.

"The driver must have been going really fast... I saw him being brought in the ambulance and he was bleeding through his mouth, nose and ear. It was scary. Really scary."

Today loyal MCTS riders are finding out what happened to the man about to celebrate his 14th anniversary with MCTS. . 

"Everyone who knows him likes him. He's a great employee, a great guy, and we're all just really sad to hear what happened," said Sliker. "His passengers love him and when they start to find out what happened to him no doubt there's going to be a lot of upset people."

"I want to cry for him. I'm hoping and praying he recovers, and that he can drive. I would like to see him too... whatever route he drives I don't care. I pray for all my bus drivers," said MCTS rider Maggie Torres.

After the crash, the driver of the Equinox left the scene. Two passengers in the Equinox were arrested after being released from a hospital for minor injuries.

Investigators have identified the driver of the Equinox and have a warrant out for the suspect. MPD expects charges will be presented in the coming days.