by Lina Bryce
MILWAUKEE, WI – A 41-year-old man struck and killed a two-year-old child Sunday evening, when the toddler ran into the road. The driver of that vehicle, along with another teenager at the scene were subsequently shot and killed.
The Libertarian Republic reached out to the Milwaukee Police department for more details on this case, although no one was specifically available for comment, they issued a general, public statement.
According to the department, they were investigating a fatal crash that led to two homicides Sunday evening at around 5:10 p.m. The MPD reports that their investigation indicated that the driver, Archie R. Brown was operating a GMC van when the two-year-old, who has been identified as Damani T. Terry ran into the road. The GMC struck the child and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brown, who witnesses indicate was distraught about hitting the child, stopped and exited the van immediately following the crash and was fatally shot by an unknown suspect. Brown was also pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, Rasheed T. Chiles, the fifteen-year-old, was also fatally shot by the suspect. Chiles was transported to a local hospital where he later died from the injuries sustained in the shooting.
According to the MP public statement, both Terry and Chiles were attending a party at the house near where the incident happened. Mayor Tom Barrett called the shooting an “assassination,” saying: “Someone got angry. Someone took a gun and basically assassinated this gentleman.”
Although more information is not available, likely due to the nature of the investigation, and according to the Associated Press police did not have anyone in custody.
Archie Brown, Sr., the driver’s father, said that a neighbor had been riding with this son their way to a Home Depot and that neighbor told him that Chiles had gone to the scene to try to help.
Orange and blue balloons were taped to the front window of the house on Monday, along with a crepe paper streamer that read “Happy Birthday.” A frosted cake was smashed on the front sidewalk and candy was strewn in the yard.
Barbara Sprewer, who lives next door, said she saw Damani looking around before crossing the street, apparently heading for some girls dancing in the nearby park. She saw the van approach, and estimated it was going 25 to 30 mph.
“Nobody was watching the baby,” she said.
After the child was hit, she saw the driver get out. She said she heard shots but didn’t see who shot him or Chiles.
Another neighbor nearby, Bob May, 68 was washing dishes when he heard what he thought were fireworks going off at a nearby park. He said that he had heard five gunshots. He said he looked out to see the van with its door open and people talking on phones. May said his neighbors had moved in about six months earlier and he didn’t know them, according to the Associated Press.
“The investigation is ongoing and Milwaukee Police continue to work on identifying the shooting suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360.”
