Milwaukee man charged after causing accident, leaving passenger for dead

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man is charged after allegedly causing a crash and fleeing the scene, leaving his passenger for dead. 

Misael Valdivia-Ramirez is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and knowingly operating a motor vehicle while suspended - causing death.

According to the criminal complaint, officers were called to a two-vehicle crash near 33rd and Lincoln around 3:30 a.m. on June 7.

Officers spoke with one of the victims of the crash who said that he was westbound on Lincoln, driving through the intersection at 33rd Street when he saw headlights on his driver's side, approaching at a high rate of speed. After the collision, the man got out of his car and saw two men climb out of the other car, a silver Honda, which was tipped on its side and walk away.

Officers located the two men who were walking away. One was identified as the defendant, Valdivia-Ramirez, and officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

During the crash investigation, officers saw the body of a man in the rear seat area of the Honda, wedged behind the driver's seat. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

Several beer bottles were also located in the vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, the Honda was northbound on 33rd Street when it failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection, crashing into the other car.

Officers spoke with Valdivia-Ramirez who admitted to driving the Honda at the time of the crash. He allegedly told police that he had drank 3-4 beers at approximately 9 p.m. on the evening before the crash. He told police he knew he had no driver's license and that he was driving approximately 45 MPH down 33rd Street.