Hit-and-run in Cudahy injures girl as new video shows police response
Cudahy Police Department recently disclosed new video footage showcasing the emergency measures taken following a hit-and-run incident that resulted in a young girl sustaining injuries. This incident unfolded at the intersection of Swift and Ramsey in Cudahy, Wisconsin, as the girl was on her way to J.E. Jones Elementary School.
The victim, identified as Lenci Lambert, was just 9 years old when she was struck by a vehicle at the aforementioned intersection. Since the accident, Lambert has celebrated her 10th birthday. The location where Lambert was hit is equipped with a crossing guard, a four-way stop sign, and a speed limit of 15 mph, specifically when children are present. The driver responsible for the hit-and-run, an 89-year-old woman from Milwaukee, failed to stop after the collision and was subsequently apprehended for hit-and-run causing injury; however, formal charges have not yet been filed against her.
Cameras from police body-worn devices captured the precise moment when the driver was located by law enforcement officers. Initially claiming that she believed a “rock” had collided with her vehicle, the driver’s disbelief was palpable when informed that she had actually struck a child in a marked crosswalk. This exchange was caught on video as the driver was seated in the back of a police vehicle.
Cudahy Mayor Ken Jankowski has since updated Fox News, revealing that there have been no recent developments in the case. The police department has already transferred the case to the district attorney’s office for further review. Meanwhile, Lambert’s family advocates for heightened safety measures at the intersection where the accident occurred. Uncle Jumoka Johnson emphasized the family’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with the incident while providing support for Lambert’s recovery.
In light of the unfortunate event, Johnson expressed gratitude that Lambert, though seriously injured, is convalescing at home. He emphasized that while Lambert’s experience was distressing, it could have feasibly happened to any child navigating the busy streets. Expressing a desire to safeguard the well-being of all children, Johnson underscored the family’s intention to engage with the local authorities to enhance safety measures at the intersection.
Mayor Jankowski responded to the family’s concerns, asserting his willingness to engage in dialogue regarding potential safety improvements at the intersection. He noted that, despite existing speed restrictions, efforts to bolster safety remain paramount. The family continues to collaborate with the city in hopes of preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of all pedestrians in the neighborhood.