A Milwaukee Lyft driver remains in a coma weeks after a hit-and-run crash on the city’s east side, while the woman charged in the case claims she was herself a victim of a separate hit-and-run, according to court records and police reports.
Milwaukee police later arrested Jenni Fischer, 24, identifying her as the driver of the SUV involved in the crash. Fischer faces felony charges, including hit-and-run causing great bodily harm and attempted insurance fraud, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators allege Fischer struck the Lyft driver, Abed “Abood” Zaanoon, with her Jeep Compass, then left the area without calling for help.
Two days later, police say Fischer filed an insurance claim reporting that her vehicle had been damaged in a hit-and-run while she was at work, positioning herself as the victim of a separate incident.
Fischer claimed she was at work at a local hospital when her car was hit, but badge swipe records showed she was not actually at work during the time of the crash.
Prosecutors argue that the claim was false and designed to conceal her involvement in the downtown accident.
The Lyft crash
Prosecutors said she used a "false police report" to file a fraudulent insurance claim after the crash. https://t.co/Yc3Ojz3kuq
— FOX6 News (@fox6now) December 14, 2025
According to Fox 6 Milwaukee, the real crash occurred on December 1, 2025, in a busy downtown corridor. Police say Zaanoon, a rideshare driver, had stopped his vehicle and was outside assisting a passenger with luggage when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving Zaanoon critically injured in the roadway.
EMTs transported Zaanoon to a Milwaukee hospital with severe head trauma and internal injuries. Prosecutors say he has since undergone multiple brain surgeries and remains in a medically induced coma, with doctors warning his prognosis is uncertain. Family members have described his condition as critical and life-altering.
Surveillance footage contradicts Fischer’s account
According to charging documents, surveillance video captured Fischer’s vehicle in the area of the crash at the time Zaanoon was struck. Footage later showed the SUV entering a nearby parking garage with visible damage consistent with the collision, police said. Investigators also noted damage to the windshield and side mirror matched the injuries sustained by the victim.
Police further allege Fischer attempted to hide the Jeep by parking it at her parents’ property outside Milwaukee. She was taken into custody on December 7, 2025, following the execution of a search warrant.
During her initial court appearance, prosecutors said Fischer did not attempt to call 911 or check on the victim after the crash. Defense attorneys noted Fischer has no prior criminal record and has not been charged with driving while intoxicated.
Fischer is charged with felony offenses that carry potential prison time if convicted. A judge set $20,000 cash bond, and she is scheduled to return to court later in December as the case proceeds.
