Monday, April 15, 2019

Robert M. Matagi Charged For The Hit-and-run Vehicle Homicide Of Pedro Colon-Ortiz In Milwaukee

Matagi facing up to 65-years in prison for multiple felonies in connection with the fatal hit-and-run vehicle crash during a Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy pursuit that claimed the life of a 25-year-old Milwaukee man.

By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

April 15, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Robert M. Matagi, 18, of Franksville was charged with three felony counts in connection with the April 11 fatal hit-and-run vehicle crash that claimed the life of Pedro Colon-Ortiz, 25, during a pursuit by a Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy. Matagi was charged with one count for 2nd-degree reckless homicide, second count for hit-and-run involving death and third count for operator fleeing/eluding police causing death. If convicted on all counts, Matagi is facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each count for reckless homicide and fatal hit-and-run and up to 15 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines for fleeing police causing death.
A cash bond of $50,000 was set for Matagi, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
According to the criminal complaint, a Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy going Southbound on I-43/I-94 noticed a vehicle driving erratic and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle failed to pull over and exited on the Holt Ave. exit and headed Westbound at a high rate of speed (85 MPH on a 30 MPH speed limit) and at the intersection of S. 13th Street and W. Morgan Ave., Magati struck a vehicle killing Colon-Ortiz, the driver. Magati and two females that were fleeing from the deputy got out of the vehicle and fled, but were shortly taken into custody. Deputies found drugs and a handgun on a female suspect who attempted to hide the weapon.
Magati confessed to police that he was driving without a license and had drugs including a handgun. He fled the deputy because he didn't want to go to jail. The two female suspects have not been charged, but charges are pending, according police.
Six people were injured in the crash including a Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy who were taken to several local hospitals for treatment.
Colon-Ortiz was engaged to be married and is survived by a 1-year-old son.

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