'Something's got to change': Petition started to increase safety on Brady Street after fatal hit-and-run incident

By: Gabriella Bachara

Posted: Sep 14, 2022 7:22 PM CDT

NOW: ’Something’s got to change’: Petition started to increase safety on Brady Street after fatal hit-and-run incident

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A petition with the goal of increasing safety on Brady Street in Milwaukee is circulating social media.

The man behind the petition, Brian Hall, said he is frustrated by an increase of reckless driving on the street where he works. He recalls witnessing countless occurrences over the past few years, but it's an incident that happened Sunday night that has him looking for change.

"I've never seen it this crazy," Hall said. "It's just getting out of hand down here."

Milwaukee Police said 32-year-old Arne Bast was in the street when a car hit him and sped away.

"He got hit hard. I mean, there's no doubt about it," Hall said. "That car was clearly speeding, excessively speeding."

Hall said he heard a loud thud and immediately called 911. He told CBS 58 it was too dark and rainy to make out what kind of car hit Bast.

"He was so twisted up, and just not in good shape at all," Hall said. "I couldn't even recognize his person."

Bast died at the hospital.

It wasn't until the next morning that Hall found out the person he helped was his friend.

"He's just a wild child. He's a great guy. He bartended at Famous over here, down the street," Hall said.

Bast was a familiar face to many on Brady Street.

"A lot of people know him down here," Hall said.

That's why Hall started the "Slow Down You're On Brady Street" petition on change.org.

The petition has more than 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday evening.

Hall said he wants to see the speed limit reduced, speed humps installed, better street lights and more police presence on Brady Street.

"Something's got to change," Hall said.

Change that won't bring his friend back, but could save someone else.

"We could prevent this from happening again," Hall said.

Authorities continue to search for a suspect.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips App.