Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A 24-year-old Wisconsin woman is facing serious felony charges after police say she struck a Lyft driver with her Jeep, left him critically injured, and later attempted to claim she was the victim of a hit-and-run while at work.
Authorities say the collision left the 26-year-old driver with catastrophic injuries, including severe brain trauma that has placed him in a coma.
Crash leaves driver with life-threatening injuries
According to a criminal complaint, Milwaukee police responded to a hit-and-run crash around 8:40 p.m. on December 1 after multiple 911 callers reported a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they found the victim unconscious but breathing, suffering from severe head trauma. He was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors later performed two brain surgeries. Police say the man remains in a coma, and his condition has continued to worsen.
Investigators determined the victim had been standing near his white Nissan Sentra, which showed extensive damage. The driver’s side door was described as crushed and bent backward, consistent with being sideswiped by another vehicle.
Surveillance video contradicts insurance claim
Police later identified the suspect as Jenni Fischer, 24, after reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Video captured a white or gray SUV with only its running lights on striking the Lyft driver before leaving the scene.
Investigators narrowed the suspect vehicle down to a Jeep Compass. Two days after the crash, Fischer allegedly filed an insurance claim reporting that her Jeep had been damaged while parked at her workplace.
In the claim, Fischer stated she discovered her vehicle with a smashed right side, cracked windshield, and broken rearview mirror, suggesting she had been the victim of a hit-and-run.
Alleged false police report raises red flags
Police say Fischer’s insurance claim required a police report. Investigators discovered a report filed online through the Citizen Online Reporting portal, a system intended for minor incidents — not vehicle crashes involving injuries.
In the report, Fischer claimed she found her Jeep damaged after leaving work on December 1.
However, surveillance footage from the crash location showed the damage occurred during the collision with the Lyft driver.
Parking garage video leads police to suspect
Investigators traced the Jeep’s VIN and linked it to Fischer. Surveillance footage from the parking structure near her residence showed the Jeep entering the garage at 8:41 p.m., just one minute after police received the 911 call.
Video allegedly shows Fischer exiting the vehicle and struggling to walk up the stairs, leaning against walls and dropping her keys while attempting to enter the building.
The following morning, she was seen returning to the Jeep and appeared to walk normally, according to police.
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Jeep found with victim’s paint transfer
On December 6, officers went to Fischer’s parents’ property, where her Jeep was being stored in a barn. Police say they found damage consistent with the crash, along with white paint transfer matching the Lyft driver’s Nissan.
After officers showed the crash footage to Fischer’s mother, she reportedly reacted by saying, “Jesus Christ.” She also instructed police to cancel the insurance claim, stating it was not true.
Both parents identified Fischer as the woman seen in surveillance footage wearing a green coat.
Arrest and charges filed
Fischer was arrested on December 7 and booked into the Milwaukee County Jail. She is charged with:
- Hit-and-run involving great bodily harm
- Filing a fraudulent insurance claim
During a court appearance on December 11, a judge set her bond at $20,000 cash. Her next court hearing is scheduled for December 17.
Victim remains in critical condition
Police say the Lyft driver remains hospitalized and in a coma. No updates have been released regarding his long-term prognosis.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
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