Victim alleges police did not fully investigate hit-and-run

A Milwaukee woman injured in a hit-and-run car accident is seeking penalties for two police officers who she claims failed to perform a proper investigation of the incident.

She demanded that Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission take action to impose discipline on the officers. The commission is scheduled to inquire into whether the officers' conduct violated any police department rules and, if so, what action should be taken, according to MSNBC.

The woman suffered a number of injuries when she was struck by the car, a white Ford Explorer, on April 18, 2010. The accident took place after a fight outside a tavern, and resulted in the victim being literally dragged approximately 40 feet by the vehicle, which apparently did not stop.

Both officers claimed that their investigation following the accident was adequate and followed departmental guidelines. The woman asserted, however, that the officers acted like they did not care, and appeared to do the minimal amount possible. She reported being frustrated by the lack of progress when she spoke to them about how the case was progressing.

She asserted that she was the one who actually found the motorist who had been operating the hit-and-run vehicle after the officers appeared to be taking too long to conclude their investigation. This led to the driver subsequently being placed under arrest. In court, he did not contest his responsibility for the accident, and was found guilty of felony criminal charges of hit-and-run, including a finding of intent to cause great bodily harm.

Source: MSNBC, "Injured hit-and-run victim finds culprit, wants cops disciplined," Dec. 8, 2011