Complaint: Man charged in crash that killed 11-year-old was speeding, trying to race

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man has been charged in the deadly hit-and-run that killed an 11-year-old boy.

Sylvester Thomas, 30, is charged with second-degree reckless homicide and hit-and-run resulting in death. 

Eleven-year-old Tyrone Reese was hospitalized after being hit by a speeding car while riding his bicycle near Hoyt and Fond Du Lac Avenue Sunday, Aug. 27. He died three days later, on Aug. 30. A report from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says the child died of multiple blunt force injuries. 

According to a criminal complaint, a witness described seeing two cars, that appeared to be racing, traveling at speeds over the posted limit of 30 mph. The witness reported watching one of the cars swerve to avoid hitting a child on a bike, before the second car hit the child. 

Another witness estimated the cars were traveling around 80 mph before a white Lexus struck the boy. 

On Aug. 28, Thomas turned himself in and identified himself as the driver of the Lexus. 

The vehicle had severe front-end damage and a crushed front hood, according to the complaint. The Lexus also had a smashed windshield and what appeared to be marks from the crank of a bicycle on the hood. 

In an interview, Thomas told officers he believed the other vehicle had struck the child first; however, detectives examined the other vehicle and did not find any damage. 

Detectives spoke with a passenger in Thomas' vehicle at the time of the crash, who stated that Thomas believed the other vehicle was trying to race him while stopped at a red light at 51st and Fond Du Lac.

Once the light turned green, he said Thomas accelerated to speeds in excess of the posted speed.

Thomas's bail was set to $50,000. A preliminary court date has been set for Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m.