MILWAUKEE — A man is in critical condition after Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputies said his SUV sped off of a highway exit ramp and into a South Side elementary school.
In a separate incident, Genine Mendez said she just got off work and was finishing Christmas shopping when she was hit by the same SUV on the freeway.
She followed the man after being swiped and found him crashed into the side of the school.
The exit ramp area near Ninth and Mineral was blocked off as sheriff's deputies investigated a crash involving an SUV and Bruce-Guadalupe Elementary School.
“I was driving down the freeway and he came from the right of me and it made me do two complete circles,” Mendez said.
That accident scene also involved Mendez’ red Honda Civic. She said was swiped just before 1:45 Thursday afternoon.
“So, I followed him and he must’ve been going too fast and flew into this Bruce-Guadalupe Elementary School,” Mendez said. “When I turned to see who hit me, all I see was him speeding off the ramp.”
Shortly after, she jumped into action, trying to help the driver she says just hit her after seeing the crash.
“I did get out to help him. I shook him a few times and he kind of slumped over in his passenger seat," Mendez said.
Inspectors with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office say the two crashes were separate incidents, despite Mendez’ car remaining on the scene as they investigated.
“Sounds like it was a separate incident involving the same vehicle. That’s still under investigation,” said Inspector Daniel Hughes of MCSO.
Mendez said she suffered some back pain but ultimately is happy to go home to her three kids on Christmas Eve.
“It could’ve been a lot worse. I’m thankful. I’m okay. I’m alive,” Mendez said.
TMJ4 News did reach out to Bruce-Guadalupe elementary school for a statement, as soon as we receive one, we will update our report.
