Family of victim in east side hit-and-run speak; alleged suspect arrested after filing false insurance claim

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee woman has been charged with felony hit and run after she hit a Lyft driver unloading luggage and left the scene.

Investigators say 24-year-old Jenni Fischer allegedly hit 26-year-old Abood Zanoun with her car around 8:30 p.m. near Knapp and Van Buren on Dec. 1.

“He’s a really good guy. I mean he’s really outgoing, hardworking. He’s genuine. That’s hard to find these days,” said Ameer Zanoun, describing his cousin.

Just two years ago, 26-year-old Abood immigrated to America – leaving behind his parents and his home.

Abood Zanoun Family

“I mean, it’s their only son. So, it’s difficult. It’s a hard situation,” said Zanoun.

A rideshare driver, Abood was helping a passenger with their luggage when he was hit by a car near Knapp and Van Buren on December 1st.

“Still sedated, not conscious. It’s hard for us to assess where he is neurologically and what kind of deficits he’s going to have from this accident,” said Zanoun.

In the criminal complaint, police say Fischer was speeding without her headlights on when she hit Abood. Two days later, Fischer filed an insurance claim on her vehicle, stating her car was damaged while leaving work. Under the property description, Fischer wrote “my literal car,” valuing the damages at $2,500.

“How they just had no regard for life and then thought they could just put in this insurance claim and fix their car and get away with everything. It’s difficult to hear,” said Zanoun.

Surveillance video obtained by investigators shows Fischer returning home and "appears to be having difficulty walking up the stairs," but she was not charged with an OWI.

“That happens way too frequently in Wisconsin and people get away with it and that just can’t continue to happen,” said Zanoun.

“This is one of those unfortunate situations where, for all intents and purposes, a good person has allegedly done something bad,” said Phillips.

Abood’s family disagrees.

“A good person that did a bad thing wouldn’t – I feel they would come forward and be accountable for their actions. Not file a false insurance claim,” said Zanoun.

Fischer’s bond was set at $20,000.