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MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee County, Wis., Oct. 20, 2026 — A passenger died on Monday afternoon, October 19, after a vehicle fleeing Milwaukee police crashed into another car near 30th and Center streets. The driver of the vehicle that was hit was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Milwaukee police said officers tried to stop a vehicle around 2:30 p.m. near N 22nd St and W McKinley Ave in connection with a narcotics investigation. The vehicle reportedly sped off, and a pursuit followed, ending blocks away when it struck another car near 30th and Center streets.
The passenger in the vehicle that was struck was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, reported to be 28, was hospitalized with injuries described as serious. A witness told a local TV station she saw the pickup speed past her home moments before the crash and later saw first responders performing CPR at the scene.
The driver and passenger of the fleeing vehicle, a 40-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, were arrested and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. Any charges stemming from the crash will be reviewed by the district attorney's office.
The crash has renewed discussion in Milwaukee over department policy on vehicle pursuits. The city's Fire and Police Commission sought changes to that policy earlier this year, but the proposal did not advance through the Common Council.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Milwaukee, WI
This crash happened at N 22nd St and W McKinley Ave in Milwaukee, WI. We cover crashes across Milwaukee County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our recent crash reports from Milwaukee County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed make a crash more dangerous? Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for drivers to react or stop, which raises the chance of serious injury or death.
What should someone do immediately after a crash like this? Call 911, stay as still as possible if hurt, and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger. Get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor.
Are bystanders at risk during police chases? Yes. Pursuits often move through residential or commercial streets where other drivers and pedestrians have no warning, which is part of why many departments review and limit when officers may pursue.
What to Do After a Pursuit-Related Crash in Milwaukee, WI
If you're involved in or witness a crash connected to a police chase, move to safety if possible and call 911 right away. Let responding officers document the scene and give a clear, factual account of what you saw. Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine, since injuries like concussions or internal trauma aren't always obvious right away. If you're a bystander who witnessed the crash, write down what you remember while it's fresh, including vehicle direction, timing, and any details about the pursuit. Milwaukee police and the district attorney's office typically review these incidents separately, so keep any paperwork or case numbers you're given in case you need to follow up.
