A 33-year-old Milwaukee woman, Shakeena Howell, is currently facing a series of serious charges following an incident in West Allis where authorities allege she deliberately crashed her vehicle into two pedestrians, one of whom is the father of her child. The charges against her include multiple felonies: two counts of hit-and-run causing great bodily harm, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment (with one count categorized as domestic violence), and two counts of operating a vehicle with a suspended license that resulted in bodily harm. Additionally, she faces charges of criminal damage to property and domestic abuse. If convicted on all counts, Howell could face a maximum sentence of 63 years in prison and potential fines totaling $181,000.
The situation escalated on October 4, when West Allis police were called to the scene at 7447 W. Greenfield Ave. at approximately 6:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found two injured men who were later taken to a local hospital for treatment. Both victims had suffered fractures as a result of the crash. Witnesses, including employees from a temp agency related to the injured parties, provided crucial details to the police. Howell had been involved in a heated argument with the father of her child, who was also one of the injured pedestrians, over suspicions of infidelity concerning one of his employees, thereby establishing a context for the confrontation.
According to the criminal complaint, following their argument, Howell entered the victim’s vehicle. In a determination that seemed both impulsive and premeditated, she drove through the parking lot where several of the temp agency workers were preparing for a job and accelerated towards a vehicle belonging to another woman, who was allegedly involved with the father of her child. The reckless maneuver resulted in a collision that pushed the woman’s vehicle into the two men, causing them to be thrown into the street. After the crash, Howell did not stop or seek to check on the victims, but instead fled the scene, traveling eastbound on West Greenfield Avenue.
Further investigation revealed that Howell was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license, having previously been cited for driving without one on three separate occasions. Law enforcement apprehended her several days after the incident. During her arrest, Howell reportedly downplayed her actions by stating, “It’s not a hit-and-run. I didn’t hit anybody; I hit a car. I hit the side of her car … they sleepin’ together.” This statement reflects her mindset at the time, suggesting a robust emotional reaction rather than a consideration of the consequences of her actions.
The court proceedings against Howell are ongoing, with her next appearance scheduled for October 18. In light of the charges, the court has placed restrictions on her, including a no-contact order with the victims and other individuals associated with the temp agency involved in the incident. The nature of the charges and the circumstances that led to this serious confrontation highlight not only the potential legal ramifications for Howell but also the complex emotional dynamics involved in domestic disputes that can escalate into violence.
This case has garnered significant attention, emphasizing the dangers of impulsive reactions driven by emotional distress, particularly in domestic situations. The outcome of Howell’s trial could serve as a significant case study for discussions surrounding domestic violence and legal accountability, illustrating not only the physical harm caused in such incidents but also the broader implications for all individuals involved in similar circumstances.
