Inset: Lenard Hale (Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Dollar General in Wisconsin where Lenard Hale allegedly mowed down a former co-worker after being fired (Google Maps).
In a disturbing incident unfolding in Wisconsin, a recently terminated employee targeted a colleague in a shocking act of violence. Prosecutors reveal that after being dismissed from his position at a “healthcare and consumer brands” production facility, Lenard L. Hale, 38, pursued a co-worker with his Audi, culminating in a hit-and-run incident that left the victim seriously injured.
Hale faces serious charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit-and-run causing great bodily harm, as recorded in Waukesha County court documents. The incident, which occurred on a Monday, was captured on surveillance video, providing crucial evidence for the case.
The troubling events unfolded shortly after Hale was let go from his job at Aptar. The dismissal stemmed from allegations of “poor work performance and stealing company time,” according to documents cited by WISN, a local ABC affiliate. The confrontation took a violent turn in a Dollar General parking lot near the Aptar facility in Mukwonago.
Prosecutors report that the victim was discovered face down and bleeding, having sustained a “very serious brain injury.” Upon reviewing surveillance footage, authorities observed Hale’s Audi trailing the victim in a menacing manner before the attack. The video detailed how Hale initially drove slowly behind his co-worker, who eventually noticed the vehicle. Prosecutors describe how Hale then accelerated rapidly, swerving towards the man who attempted to evade the oncoming car but was ultimately struck.
After the collision, the victim was hurled over the hood and roof of the vehicle as Hale fled the scene. Police investigators consulted an Aptar manager, who reviewed the footage and identified Hale as the perpetrator. This identification was a critical step in piecing together the unfolding of events that led to the alarming altercation, leaving the community and authorities grappling with the aftermath of this violent outburst.
Hale allegedly struck his former co-worker and sent him flying over the hood and roof of the Audi before taking off. Police asked an Aptar manager to review the surveillance footage and he identified Hale as being responsible, according to prosecutors.
The production company describes itself on its website as a “global leader in drug delivery, consumer product dispensing, including dosing and protection technologies.” The company serves the “world’s leading healthcare and consumer brands,” per the website.
Investigators tracked Hale down through a family member, who was visited by police. The Audi that Hale was driving was allegedly at the relative’s house and was dented on the hood and had a cracked windshield, WISN reports.
Hale was found inside the family member’s home hiding behind a door, according to prosecutors. He was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday, with his bond being set at $750,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.
