Milwaukee police release funeral arrangements for Officer Kou Her, killed in crash

Milwaukee Police Officer Kou Her



MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police on Thursday, June 20 released funeral arrangements for Officer Kou Her, killed in a crash Tuesday, June 18 at 60th and Capitol Drive.

Arrangements are as follows for the funeral, set to take place at the Good Hope Center at 7323 North 76th Street (near 76th and Good Hope).

Saturday, June 29: 

Visitation from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

MPD members allowed to speak: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 30:

Visitation from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Monday, July 1:

Funeral services from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Internment at Graceland Cemetery

Off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer Kou Her died following a crash near 60th and Capitol early Tuesday morning, June 18.

It happened around 1:30 a.m.

Her was a two-year veteran of the police department, and he was assigned to District 4. Police said Her was driving southbound on N. 60th Street after his shift. He was struck by a driver who was traveling westbound on Capitol Drive.

Fatal crash near 60th and Capitol in Milwaukee



Witnesses said the striking driver was traveling at a high rate of speed -- and crossed through the intersection at a red light when he struck Her. Those witnesses helped police identify the direction of travel of the suspect after the crash -- and officers were able to take him into custody.

Fatal crash near 60th and Capitol in Milwaukee



Officer Her was conveyed to Froedtert Hospital, where he died from his injuries, Chief Morales said.

Officer Her was survived by six brothers, two sisters, and his mother and father -- who both served in Vietnam.

Dante James, 34, faces one count of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, one count of hit-and-run involving death, and one count of operating while revoked.

Prosecutors said he was fired from his job in the hours before the crash on suspicion he’d been drinking. He said he then had some shots at his cousin’s house before driving to a bar, where he drank until he was kicked out.

After the crash, prosecutors said James ran from the scene. He was arrested nearby — stumbling, bleeding, and smelling of alcohol.

He has four prior OWI convictions, spanning from 2006 to 2018.

A FOX6 Investigation found James had just been stopped for speeding on April 28 at 60th and Nash, two blocks south of Tuesday’s fatal crash scene. He was fined $174. According to online court records, his driver’s license was revoked for three years. There was no indication he was ticketed or criminally charged for driving while revoked.

When he was stopped for speeding on April 28, he got a $10 ticket for driving without insurance.

Online court records showed a history of cases dating back to 2002, when James was 17.

In August 2012, James was charged with OWI, third offense with a passenger under 16 years old and operating while revoked. In January 2013, he pleaded guilty to the OWI charge, and he was sentenced to serve one year in jail. Additionally, his license was revoked for 30 months, and he was ordered to utilize an ignition interlock device for 30 months.

In March 2011, James was charged with OWI, second offense, and operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, second offense. In May 2011, he pleaded guilty to the OWI charge, and he was sentenced to serve 55 days in jail. Additionally, his license was revoked for 18 months, and he was ordered to utilize an ignition interlock device for one year.

In May 2010, James was charged with escape -- criminal arrest. He pleaded guilty in August 2010, and was sentenced to serve 90 days in the House of Correction.

In December 2006, James was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon, and intentionally pointing a firearm at a person -- two counts. In February 2007, he pleaded guilty to the possession of a firearm by a felon charge. He was sentenced to serve 40 months (more than three years) in prison and 40 months' extended supervision.

In December 2002, James was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of THC. In February 2007, he pleaded guilty to the possession of cocaine charge. He was sentenced to serve 90 days in the House of Correction, and his license was revoked for six months.



PHOTO GALLERY



The Milwaukee Police Department has lost four officers since summer 2018. Officer Charles Irvine Jr. died in a crash during a pursuit near 76th and Silver Spring Drive on June 7, 2018. Officer Michael Michalski died when he was shot while searching for a wanted subject near 28th and Wright on July 25, 2018. Officer Matthew Rittner died after he was shot while executing a search warrant near 12th and Manitoba on Feb. 6, 2019.



A GoFundMe account has been created by the Her family to help pay for his funeral. CLICK HERE for more information.