Cyclist survives hit-and-run crash caught on camera

MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) - Cyclists in Milwaukee are raising awareness about reckless driving after a cyclist was injured in a hit-and-run crash.

Surveillance video shows the hit-and-run that sent cyclist Zane Staubach to the hospital with several injuries.

The video is causing other cyclists, like Joe Paterick, to take notice while out.

“I’ve been in that situation where everything is going cool,” Paterick said. “You love the freedom of being on your bike and, bang, now probably his whole summer is ruined, you know. Thank God he’s alive.”

The hit-and-run happened back in June at the intersection of Second and National in Walker’s Point.

Police have charged 24-year-old Isiah Colon-Johnson with three felonies in connection with the crash.

According to new court documents, investigators uncovered that Colon-Johnson was on a video call over a construction quote when he struck Staubach.

The person on the video call with Colon-Johnson told police the 24-year-old said, “I think I just hit someone. I think I just hit something.”

The person also said they could hear a dragging noise on the other end of the call.

They also reported to investigators that it appeared Colon-Johnson was smoking a joint and that the vehicle wasn’t his.

The Milwaukee Police Department tracked down the damaged black Ford Explorer on July 6 and spoke with the woman who owns it.

She told investigators she had given Colon-Johnson permission to use the vehicle. However, Colon-Johnson shouldn’t have been driving since records reveal his license is currently suspended.

Staubach told WTMJ he was thankful for all of the support in helping track down the driver they believe to be responsible. He said he hopes this situation will help raise awareness for unsafe driving conditions in Milwaukee, and he’s not alone in sounding that alarm.

“I’m glad I don’t feel safe, because it makes me get on the lookout of crazy drivers, the reckless drivers,” Paterick said.

It’s this type of driving that’s turned Paterick into a defensive cyclist after 31 years on two wheels.

But he shared a solution for keeping all safe on Milwaukee roads that he’d like to see more of.

“I’d like to see more police giving speeding tickets. I never see any police at all,” Paterick said.

As for Staubach, he continues on his long road to recovery and there’s still no timeline as to when he’ll get back on the bike.

If convicted on all counts, Colon-Johnson faces over 30 years in prison.

Federal health statistics show more than 60,000 cyclists are injured every year in crashes with vehicles.

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