On the night of March 29, 2025, West Allis, Wisconsin, witnessed a high-speed chase that captivated the attention of both local law enforcement and the community. The incident involved a red Nissan Altima and 28-year-old Romello Richards, who led police officers on a five-minute chase that reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.
The Beginning of the Pursuit
It all started just after 2:00 a.m. when West Allis police officers initiated a routine traffic stop on a red Nissan Altima near South 60th Street. The vehicle was flagged for suspicion after dispatch noticed that the license plates did not match the vehicle. Additionally, the officers reported the strong smell of marijuana emanating from the car. This heightened the officers’ suspicions and led them to approach the vehicle with caution.
As officers began questioning the driver, they discovered something unusual. Earlier that night, two men, wearing ski masks, had exited the same vehicle and entered a local bar. However, when dispatch ran the plates, they found discrepancies. This led police to question whether there was more to the vehicle than it seemed.
The High-Speed Chase
What followed next was an alarming display of reckless driving. As the officers surrounded the vehicle and asked Richards to step out, he suddenly floored the gas pedal and sped away. This sparked a pursuit that would last just five minutes but became increasingly dangerous with every passing second. Richards ran multiple red lights, ignored stop signs, and even drove on the wrong side of the road. At one point, he turned off his headlights, making it even more difficult for police to track his movements.
As the chase continued, the officers attempted three pit maneuvers to halt Richards, but he evaded them each time. With speeds soaring at 120 miles per hour, the situation became increasingly perilous for everyone involved. Richards’ disregard for traffic laws and public safety put not only his life but also the lives of others at risk.
The Foot Chase and Arrest
After driving recklessly through city streets, Richards eventually came to a stop. However, he did not intend to give up without a fight. Instead of surrendering, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officers, who had been pursuing him closely, quickly followed suit. What ensued was another intense phase of the chase as Richards ran through the streets of West Allis, trying desperately to escape.
At this point, the situation escalated further as police officers deployed a Taser, which eventually brought the suspect to the ground. Richards was apprehended and placed under arrest. In the aftermath of the dramatic arrest, officers were heard telling Richards, “You made stupid choices.” His reckless actions during the high-speed chase and subsequent foot pursuit were a clear violation of public safety.
The Legal Fallout
The criminal complaint filed against Romello Richards outlines several charges related to his reckless actions that night. Richards now faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing and eluding, endangerment, and drug-related offenses due to the marijuana smell in the vehicle. However, the complaint does not clarify whether the two men in ski masks who exited the vehicle earlier in the night had committed any illegal activities inside the bar. This piece of the puzzle remains unanswered, leaving room for further investigation.
The Broader Impact
This high-speed chase highlights several pressing concerns, including the dangers posed by reckless driving and the risks law enforcement officers face in pursuit of suspects. With speeds reaching dangerous levels, the chase put the lives of innocent civilians at risk, in addition to the law enforcement officers involved.
Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the role of drugs, particularly marijuana, in driving behavior. While the smell of marijuana in Richards’ vehicle added an additional layer of suspicion, the full extent of how it might have influenced his actions remains unclear. This is an area that local authorities may continue to explore in their investigation.
Conclusion
In the end, the high-speed chase in West Allis ended with the arrest of Romello Richards, but not before a tense and dangerous few minutes that involved reckless driving, a foot pursuit, and the use of a Taser. As Richards now faces the legal consequences of his actions, the event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-speed chases and the lengths to which law enforcement must go to ensure public safety. The incident will likely remain a topic of discussion in both local law enforcement circles and among the West Allis community.
