Share and Follow
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).
A Wisconsin man, recently dismissed from his position at a facility specializing in healthcare and consumer brands, allegedly targeted a colleague in a violent act of retribution. Prosecutors claim that Lenard L. Hale, 38, engaged in a deliberate act of stalking before striking the employee with his Audi, according to court documents.
Charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit-and-run causing great bodily harm, Hale’s actions have resulted in serious legal consequences in Waukesha County, as per online court records filed on Monday.
The incident unfolded after Hale’s termination from Aptar, attributed to “poor work performance and stealing company time,” as detailed in documents obtained by ABC affiliate WISN. The alleged attack took place in a Dollar General parking lot, not far from the Aptar location in Mukwonago.
According to prosecutors, the victim was discovered face down and bleeding, having sustained a “very serious brain injury.” Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators captured Hale’s vehicle trailing the victim in a menacing manner.
In the video, Hale’s Audi is seen creeping behind the unsuspecting co-worker, who eventually notices the vehicle. As the victim attempts to evade, Hale allegedly accelerates sharply and veers toward him, with devastating results, as described by prosecutors.
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.