Milwaukee Man Charged in Stolen Car Chaos

22-year-old suspect arrested at hospital after allegedly stealing car, dragging victims

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A 22-year-old Milwaukee man, Lavontae Williams, faces felony charges after allegedly stealing a running car that was tracked by the owner via AirTag to an intersection in Milwaukee. During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly accelerated, spinning the car in circles and dragging the victims while repeatedly striking a county bus. Police identified Williams after a hospital nurse recognized him from an Instagram video of the incident.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing problem of car theft and the use of technology like AirTags to track stolen vehicles. It also raises concerns about public safety when suspects resist arrest and endanger bystanders. The case will likely prompt discussions around bail reform and whether special laws are needed to address crimes involving autonomous vehicles.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the victim's car was stolen from a grocery store parking lot where it had been left running. The victim was able to track the car's location using an AirTag and went to the intersection of Capitol and Teutonia with her boyfriend to confront the suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly accelerated the vehicle, spinning it in circles and dragging the victims, while also repeatedly striking a Milwaukee County bus that was stopped at the intersection.

  • On Tuesday, March 3, around 12:30 p.m., police were dispatched to a grocery store near 56th and Capitol to investigate a stolen auto complaint.
  • A little more than an hour later, officers were sent to Capitol and Teutonia to investigate a battery complaint.
  • On Wednesday, March 4, police were dispatched to Aurora Sinai Medical Center for a battery complaint, where a nurse identified the suspect from an Instagram video.

The players

Lavontae Williams

A 22-year-old Milwaukee man who faces felony charges for allegedly stealing a car and endangering the victims.

The Victim

A woman who was employed by Instacart and had her car stolen from a grocery store parking lot while it was running.

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What they’re saying

“The woman told police the male suspect "stepped onto the gas pedal which caused the vehicle to drive in circles in the middle of the street,”

— The Victim (Criminal Complaint)

What’s next

Williams is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 16, where a judge will decide whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of car theft and the use of technology like AirTags to track stolen vehicles, as well as the dangers posed when suspects resist arrest and endanger bystanders. It will likely prompt discussions around bail reform and whether special laws are needed to address crimes involving autonomous vehicles.