Hit-and-Run Suspect Says Victim was His Friend

A 20-year-old Saukville man is facing charges of hit-and-run causing injury after striking a pedestrian — who turned out to be a friend — while driving through downtown Port Washington and then fleeing the scene to .

Michael Frey said he did not see the victim, Chris Morano, until the impact occurred, according to police reports. Port Washington officers down the street witnessed the accident at 1:33 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Franklin Street, and "saw a male subject fly up into the air, flip and land on the ground," according to the report.

Morano suffered a "head injury, contusions to his left elbow and screamed of pain to his lower torso." He was transported to Froedtert Medical Center in Milwaukee; hospital officials said he remains in satisfactory condition at the clinic.

A passenger in the vehicle also said she did not see Morano until it was too late.

Frey told officers he fled the scene because he panicked and didn't know what to do. He asked officers the name of the victim, and upon learning it was Morano "became immediately upset," according to police reprots. Frey said Morano was friend who had likely recognized him while driving and came out to say "hi."

After leaving the downtown area, Frey headed toward Upper Lake Park. Officers note that he passed a clearly marked police vehicle on Lake Street while fleeing the scene.

Given the situation, officers conducted field sobriety tests, which Frey passed. A breathalyzer test showed a .00 blood alcohol content.

Frey now faces up to 9 months in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. He will make his initial appearance in Ozaukee County court at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 6.