Man Sued By Milwaukee In New Tactic To Combat Reckless Driving: Police

MILWAUKEE, WI — The City of Milwaukee filed a civil lawsuit recently against a man who police called an "egregious reckless driver" as part of a new traffic safety tactic.

Police said defendant Anthony Szablewski has been given 44 traffic citations since 2017, including citations for reckless driving, red light violations, unsafe passing and speeding. The city's lawsuit, which was prompted by the request of police, argues Szablewski's "ongoing negligent and reckless driving affects the quality of life and safety of our community and is a public nuisance," The Milwaukee Police Department said in a news release Monday.

The suit against Szablewski seeks injunctive relief and asks for a judge to find the man's driving a public nuisance, police said.

The defendant was served with the lawsuit on Sunday as police pursue new ways to crack down on Milwaukee's rash of reckless driving. Recently, Milwaukee police also announced the introduction of bait cars and special decals in efforts to curb car thefts.

SEE ALSO: New Milwaukee Traffic Safety Plan Includes Bait Cars, Anti-Theft Decal

At least one of the new bait cars is a KIA or a Hyundai, according to police. Both car brands have been disproportionately targeted for theft in the city. Suburbs have also been dealing with car thefts.

Other people might also be seeing similar civil lawsuits down the line amid the city's heightening efforts to curb reckless driving.

"This new approach of civil litigation against egregious reckless drivers is intended to send a clear message to all the chronic reckless drivers in Milwaukee that we take the safety of everyone on the roadways in our community very seriously," said Police Chief Jeffrey Norman in the news release.

Police said they have identified 2o other people who have been ticketed for traffic violations more than 10 times in the past five years. All may be the subject of future lawsuits if their reckless driving continues, police said.

If the court hands down an injunction and Szablewski does not comply with it, police said he may be held in contempt of court remedies and may face consequences including seizure of his vehicle.

In a statement, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the city and its police force are using every reasonable tool to combat reckless driving.

"Drivers who chronically disregard our traffic laws will face consequences far beyond a slap on the wrist," Johnson said in the release.