81-year-old man killed in crash in West Allis that involved squad car

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- West Allis police say an 81-year-old West Allis man was killed in a crash involving a West Allis PD squad car that happened near 80th and Lincoln Avenue on Wednesday afternoon, March 26th.

It happened around 4:20 p.m.

Police say a squad car headed westbound on W. Lincoln Avenue to investigate an accident at 87th and Lincoln became involved in a crash with another vehicle at 80th and Lincoln.

"I was sitting in my house and I just heard a big bang. All of a sudden I saw my neighbors over there. They were running out, so I just ran out," Haley Westhause said.

The colliding vehicles ended up against an AT&T vehicle. Police aren't saying at this time whether this was a two or three-vehicle crash.

An officer, and the occupant of the other vehicle involved were taken to the hospital for treatment. The officer was later released. He was reportedly treated for minor injuries.

He is a 34-year-old man who has a little over a year experience with the West Allis Police Department.

The other injured individual -- the 81-year-old man, died upon arrival at the hospital.

The Wisconsin State Patrol was requested to respond and investigate the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.

"It's still very early on, and accident reconstruction takes a long time," West Allis Police Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher said.

Officials are looking into whether the officer had his flashing lights on, and how fast he was going.

"I didn't hear any sirens. I just heard the big bang and that was it. It's kind of scary to think that someone could die, and someone did. It's a scary thought," Westhause said.

A portion of Lincoln Avenue, between 79th and 82nd Street was shut down as officials investigate.

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