Prosecutors say Hunter Meyer struck an officer while fleeing, crashed into another vehicle and ran from the scene.
MILWAUKEE, WI — An 18-year-old Wisconsin man faces 10 criminal charges after prosecutors said gunfire erupted near Milwaukee’s Water Street entertainment district and he struck a police officer with a car while fleeing early July 5.
Hunter L. Meyer of Rothschild is accused of endangering officers, pedestrians and motorists during a confrontation that began in a downtown parking lot and ended after a high-speed pursuit and crash. A Milwaukee County judge set his bond at $200,000 during an initial court appearance Saturday. Meyer has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain subject to court proceedings.
The charges include one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety as a party to a crime with use of a dangerous weapon, another count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, two counts of hit-and-run causing injury and four counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. Meyer also faces one count each of carrying a concealed weapon and fleeing an officer while causing property damage.
Milwaukee police said officers were conducting crowd-control operations during Fourth of July celebrations at about 2:15 a.m. when they saw a black 2015 Audi S6 circling a parking lot in the 1300 block of North Edison Street. Several people were standing near the Audi and other vehicles. Officers then heard numerous gunshots coming from the area where the Audi had been driving, according to police and the criminal complaint.
Investigators said officers approached the Audi and ordered its driver to stop and leave the vehicle. Meyer allegedly ignored those commands and accelerated through the area, nearly hitting several officers and striking one officer. The injured officer, who had served with the department for less than a year, was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Officers, including the officer who was struck, fired at the Audi as it left the parking lot, police said. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative duty under department procedure. Police identified two of the officers who fired as men ages 28 and 27 with more than seven and eight years of service, respectively. Authorities did not release the injured officer’s name.
The complaint states that officers recovered 20 shell casings, three bullet fragments, an airsoft pistol and a Glock handgun fitted with a device capable of making the weapon fire automatically. Investigators also found that at least one vehicle had been struck by gunfire. A witness told detectives that Meyer had been holding a handgun and firing toward another group, according to the complaint. That allegation has not been proven in court.
Prosecutors said Meyer drove at high speeds after leaving the Water Street area, swerved through traffic and entered opposing lanes. His Audi allegedly sideswiped one vehicle before running a red light near West Fond du Lac Avenue and West Walnut Street and crashing into another vehicle. The other driver lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital, authorities said.
Meyer allegedly ran from the Audi after the crash but was found nearby and arrested. Officers recovered a Taurus 9 mm handgun from the crash scene and another 9 mm handgun along the path where Meyer was accused of running, according to the complaint. Six passengers who had been riding in the Audi were interviewed by investigators.
One passenger told police the group had attended Summerfest before going to Water Street, where an argument began with another group. Meyer told detectives that members of the groups appeared to be reaching for concealed firearms and that he took cover when shots were fired. Prosecutors included portions of his police interview in the complaint, but authorities have not announced whether anyone else will be charged.
Meyer could face up to 82 years and three months in prison and as much as $205,000 in fines if convicted on all counts and given maximum consecutive penalties. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17. The police investigation and the court case remain pending.
Author note: Last updated July 12, 2026.