North Prairie man charged with attempted homicide after allegedly hitting former coworker with car

Leonard Hale, 38, has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit and run following the incident at Green Ridge Center.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 38-year-old North Prairie man has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit and run after allegedly intentionally striking a former coworker with his car in a Mukwonago parking lot. Surveillance video shows the suspect's white Audi sedan slowly stalking the victim before hitting him as he walked through the parking lot. The two men worked at the same company, but the suspect was terminated from his job earlier that day for poor work performance and stealing company time.

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing concerns over workplace violence and the potential for employment disputes to escalate into serious criminal acts. The case also raises questions about how employers can better identify and address potential threats from terminated workers.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video shows Leonard Hale's white Audi sedan slowly following the 40-year-old victim from Waukesha before striking him in the Green Ridge Center parking lot. Hale was terminated from his job earlier that day for poor work performance and stealing company time. Police later found Hale's damaged car at his mother's house in Milwaukee, where he was hiding behind a door when officers arrived.

  • The incident occurred on Monday afternoon.
  • Hale was terminated from his job earlier that same day.

The players

Leonard Hale

A 38-year-old North Prairie man who has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit and run for allegedly intentionally striking a former coworker with his car.

The 40-year-old victim

A Waukesha resident who remains in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital after being struck by Hale's car in the parking lot.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Leonard Hale out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety, and whether special laws are needed to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.