'We'd prefer not to:' MPD releases statement defending pursuit policy after 3 deaths in less than 10 days

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police released a statement late Wednesday night, April 24 defending their policy for vehicle pursuits. This, in the wake of three crashes that resulted deaths in less than 10 days.

Milwaukee police said they take pursuits very seriously -- standing by the department's policy to chase criminals and reckless drivers.

Three pursuits over less than 10 days (April 11-April 20) stemmed from reckless driving, shooting and drugs, respectively.

The pursuits for justice were costly ones. Pedro Colon-Ortiz, 25, an innocent young father, was killed in a wreck near 13th and Morgan on April 11 -- after a suspect was being chased by a sheriff's deputy as part of an investigation that stemmed from reckless driving.

Larenzo Jones,18, died after a collision with a school bus and truck near 40th and North on April 18 -- during a pursuit police said was linked to a triple shooting that day that left three teenagers hurt. Jones was a passenger in a vehicle prosecutors said was driven by Marcellus Purifoy, 18. Prosecutors said Purifoy told investigators he dropped off the shooter after the triple shooting near 36th and Courtland, before leading police on the pursuit that ended in the crash that killed his passenger.

A 27-year-old died after his vehicle crashed into a home near 13th and Capitol during a pursuit on April 20-- and burst into flames. Police said that pursuit stemmed from a drug investigation.

The pursuit policy was reinstated in fall 2017. The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission on Sept. 7, 2017 approved the proposed revised pursuit policy that allows Milwaukee police officers to pursue vehicles involved in reckless driving and suspected mobile drug trafficking. Four years prior, then-MPD Chief Ed Flynn changed the pursuit policy after several innocent bystanders were killed.

Officers once restricted to only chasing vehicles suspected of being involved in violent crime, now have discretion to follow drug dealers, reckless drivers and more.

Prior to it being reinstated, there were more than 600 vehicles fleeing from officers every month during traffic stops. In 2018, the Milwaukee Police Department averaged 18 police chases every week, a big increase from 2017.

Read the full statement from MPD on the pursuit policy below:

FOX6 News on Thursday spoke with Rosie Goines, who said her 16-year-old daughter is nervous to get behind the wheel.

"'Things are so different than what they used to be," said Goines. "And she's like, "No, Mom. I'm so over it. There's too many accidents and chases going on, and I don't want to get hurt."

MPD Inspector Michael Brunson discussed the community concern in the wake of the violent and deadly crashes.

"We'd prefer not to engage in pursuits. We'd rather citizens that engage in this type of behavior stop," said Brunson. "We want the public to know that safety is our focus. We want everyone to know and understand the consequences and the potential loss of life that occurs."

Goines said she would continue to remain vigilant and cautious on the road.

"We have to take it day at a time, hoping there is no chase or no one driving reckless while you're on the road," said Goines.