Fatal accident in Milwaukee: Robert Jones sentenced to 14 years in prison

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MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee County judge on Tuesday, August 27, sentenced Robert Jones, 40, to 14 years in prison plus an additional eight years of extended probation in connection with a fatal car crash that occurred on Sunday, February 25, near 20th and Burleigh in Milwaukee.

Robert Jones pleaded guilty in June to one count of a driver fleeing a police officer and killing another, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. As part of the plea, the hit-and-run charge resulting in death was dropped and placed in the court record for sentencing.

Case details

According to the criminal complaint, on February 25 at around 6:20 p.m., officers observed a silver Acura traveling south at a “high rate of speed” near the corner of 27th Street and Burleigh.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near the corner of 25th and Burleigh. The vehicle reportedly came to a stop on the side of the road before rejoining traffic.

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At the intersection of 20th and Burleigh, the Acura collided with a northbound vehicle, a gray Mazda sedan. A 30-year-old man in the Mazda died in the crash. The victim was identified as Amari Smith. A GoFundMe online fundraiser has been set up in Smith's memory.

Scene near Hopkins and Burleigh

After the collision, Robert Jones allegedly got out of the Acura and ran toward the cemetery on Teutonia Avenue. Police found Jones lying in the cemetery. He was taken into custody. A black semi-automatic firearm was found in the driver's seat of the Acura.

When questioned by police, Jones said he was driving the Acura when police tried to pull him over. He allegedly said he knew there was a warrant out for his arrest and that his wife would likely leave him if he was arrested, so he tried to flee. Jones said after the crash he became frightened and ran through the cemetery, the charges state.