Milwaukee Southside Taco Truck Worker Killed By Passing Vehicle After Attempting To Escape From Two Alleged Robbers

Cardenas had just left his job at the Taqueria Arandas taco truck at S. 13th Street and W. Cleveland Ave. when he was held up and assaulted by two suspects and as he attempted to escape into the street was fatally struck by a passing vehicle.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

September 6, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, family members identified Mateo Cardenas, 35, originally from Veracruz, Mexico as the victim of an accident which involved a vehicle while attempting to escape from two suspects who tried to rob him. Cardenas was killed on Tuesday night around 9:30 p.m. shortly after leaving his job at the Taqueria Arandas Taco truck located at S. 13th and W. Cleveland Ave., a popular taco truck in the neighborhood. Cardenas was walking to his vehicle at the 2600 block of S. 13th when several suspects attempted to rob him and Cardenas fled between two parked cars and stepped into the street to escape the assault and was fatally struck by a passing vehicle. The driver of the vehicle stopped and remained at the scene.

Cardenas is survived by two young daughters and a wife. Cardenas was the head of the household and the primary source of income for the family. Family members and friends are working to raise funds to transport his body back to Mexico. A Gofundme account was setup for donations.
Police continue to investigate the incident and crime scene investigators haven't release any information, if there is any connection to recent armed robberies of multiple taco trucks in the Southside.

Apparently, Milwaukee Southside taco truck workers, which includes cooks have been targeted by three suspects who have robbed at least five taco trucks located at different locations, since last week.

The locations of the taco truck robberies are:

• 1600 block of W. Scott St.

• 3900 Block of W. Burnham St. 

• 1900 Block of W. National Ave.

• 1600 Block of S. Muskego Ave.

• 1500 Block of S. 6th St.  

Police described suspect #1 as a Hispanic male, 20-25 years of age, 5'7- 5'9, thin build, with short dark hair, clean shaven and a tattoo on his right hand. Suspect #2 is a Hispanic male, 20-25 years of age. Suspect #3, black male, in his 30's, shoulder length braids. Suspects changed clothing between robberies.  

According to police, the suspects approached the taco trucks, pointed firearms at the victims and demanded money. The suspects were seen fleeing in a newer model red or burgundy, Nissan Sentra, four door, no front license plate with a low spoiler.