3 Chicago women killed in Milwaukee hit-and-run crash; driver surrenders

MILWAUKEE (WLS) -- A driver who allegedly ran from the scene of a crash in Milwaukee that killed three Chicago women turned himself in to police Monday.

All three victims were passengers in a 2013 Ford Fusion headed west in the 200-block of West Clybourn Avenue around 2:48 a.m., when police said a southbound 2015 Lexus R350 ran a red light at North 2nd Street and slammed into the Ford.

Two of the victims, identified as 30-year-old Ashley Sawatzke and 32-year-old Amy Taylor, died at the scene. Police said the third victim, identified as 35-year-old Lindsey Cohen, was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.

Though originally from out of state, all three women lived and worked in Chicago. They met at Energy BBDO, an advertising company in the Loop.

"We are absolutely devastated by the loss of these three incredible, exuberant young women who were taken to us far too soon...The grief of their absence is felt deeply across our Energy BBDO family," said Tonise Paul, CEO and President at BBDO Energy.

Neighbor Reggie Snead recalls the day he met one of them, Taylor, just about a year ago.

"I just knew she wasn't from Chicago. I was trying to tell her when it's safe and when it's not," Snead said. "God, that's sad. It's really sad, she was really a nice girl."

The Uber driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover.

Investigators said two men in the Lexus ran from the scene after impact. Police said the 23-year-old driver surrendered himself to authorities Monday afternoon.

The driver is not expected to be charged until at least Tuesday. Milwaukee police said they still have no information on who was in the car with him.