The man killed Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash in West Allis has been identified. 50-year-old Thomas Jorgenson of Menomonee Falls was struck by an SUV near 98th and Greenfield. Police said speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the hit-and run.
A report released by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office shows open alcohol containers were found in the suspect’s vehicle.
Store surveillance video obtained by TODAY’S TMJ4 shows what West Allis police detectives believe to be the suspect's vehicle traveling at high speeds just one block away from the accident.
A.J. Kisley said he saw the view firsthand as he was walking to a gas station around 1:15 a.m.
“It sounded like a jet engine flying past you, and it had enough speed to pull my clothes with it,” said Kisley.
Kisley said the suspect’s vehicle zipped right past him.
“I looked down, then heard a crash that echoed throughout the ten block radius,” he said.
West Allis Police said the driver of an SUV headed westbound on Greenfield smashed into a car turning north on 98th St.
“My first thought is I should run up there and make sure everything is okay,” said Kisley.
Officers beat Kisley to the scene to find two mangled vehicles and the 50-year-old victim dead inside his car.
“I tried to help right away but I don’t think there was anything I would have been able to do anyway,” said Kisley.
At the time, the driver of the striking vehicle was no where to be found. According to the Medical Examiner’s report, the suspect attempted to drive off from the accident, but was stuck on the median. The driver ran away and was taken into custody a short time later in a residential area. Police believe speed and alcohol were factors in this deadly wreck. Kisley said he isn’t surprised.
“It’s kind of unsettling, the fact that that’s what caused it,” said Kisley.
There was a passenger in the suspect’s vehicle. She was taken to the hospital for serious injuries. No word yet on the charges the suspect will face.
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