Questions resurface over police pursuit policy after crash injures 2 officers

Updated: 4:28 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2020

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Two Milwaukee police officers are recovering after a reckless driver crashed into their squad car during a chase.

They're expected to be okay, but questions are resurfacing over the department's pursuit policy.

The crash happened near 70th and Hampton Wednesday night, and pieces of the cars are still on the ground Thursday. Neighbors in the area say when you cross the street, you're risking your life.

"Nothing new right here on Hampton. We hear it, see it all the time."

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, they reserve the right to pursue any car linked to violent crime, drug dealing or reckless driving as long as they think stopping the suspect outweighs the danger created by a pursuit. 

"Reckless driving is a huge issue in the city and a priority for the police department," said MPD Capt. David Salazar. "So when we observe reckless driving, we're going to pursue those cases."

But some neighbors have mixed feelings. While they do want to see criminals caught, they don't like seeing violent endings.

"If you know something that you're not supposed to be doing, just pull over, stop," said neighbor Menna Luttrell. "There's a lot of innocent people in the area. 

"If they gone from y'all, leave them alone, run their license plates and catch them like that when they're at their house," added neighbor Andre Solomon.

Those who stand by the pursuit policy say the police have a job to do, and police need the ability to go after those endangering our city. 

"We have the appropriate policy," said Ald. Bob Donovan. "I was disappointed years ago when they didn't allow the police to chase, and that created the problem that we're seeing now."

Both officers involved are expected to be okay. The suspect is in custody and will likely face charges for recklessly endangering safety and fleeing an officer causing injury.

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Posted: 8:35 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2020

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire Department says they responded to a crash near 70th and Hampton Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Two police officers were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries -- a 29-year-old with two years of experience and a 22-year-old with one year experience. 

The crash occurred about three minutes into a police pursuit, after a suspect vehicle was seen driving recklessly.

BREAKING: Milwaukee Police SUV involved in crash near 71st & Hampton. We are expecting an update from police at 9:15. pic.twitter.com/1nAVtgFNE8

— Brittany Lewis (@brittlewisnews) January 30, 2020

The police SUV that was struck was responding to the area of the crash, and was not the pursuing squad. 

A suspect is in custody and will likely face charges for first degree recklessly endangering safety and fleeing an officer causing injury. 

This is a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 for updates.