Complaint: SUV driver hit Milwaukee DPW worker planting flowers
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 29-year-old Milwaukee woman is facing criminal charges after authorities say she struck a City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) employee who had been planting flowers.
The incident happened Wednesday, June 11 near 35th and Silver Spring.
Sara Hansen
According to a criminal complaint, Sara Hansen -- driving an SUV -- swerved across several lanes of traffic before she hit caution cones blocking a DPW truck from traffic. The woman reportedly hit the DPW truck, breaking the passenger side mirror, and then struck the employee who was in the median.
Amar Saran was working at her corner store when she saw it all happen on her security video.
“I just heard it; it sounded like a gunshot. You know, seemed like a young fellow. He got hit really bad and his face was all bloody," said Saran. “Seems like a really strong guy like he got up by himself.”
The employee, according to officials, suffered a broken nose and needed 10 stitches in his face.
Hansen, according to the complaint, was seen on a traffic camera opening the door to her vehicle and looking behind her where she struck the employee.
Hansen then was seen grabbing a bag, exiting the SUV and walking away.
In video obtained by CBS 58, Hansen's vehicle can be seen hitting the employee, who immediately falls to the ground.
The criminal complaint says, at no time did Hansen try to help the employee or check on his condition in any way.
Approximately one hour after the crash, Hansen reportedly approached an officer and said she was the one who struck the DPW truck and employee.
Hansen has been charged with one count of hit-and-run, causing great bodily harm, and knowingly operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, causing great bodily harm.
Saran says she wants people to just slow down and watch out for others.
“I see on this intersection; people do be speeding a lot. These are neighborhood kids. These could be your kids. My kids. Anybody’s kids. Just be careful," said Saran. "Just watch your speed. This is a neighborhood.”