Employee who was just fired gets in Audi and runs over co-worker in parking lot

A man in Wisconsin is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly using his car to attack a former co-worker following his dismissal from a local production facility. Prosecutors say Lenard L. Hale, 38, spent time “slowly stalking” the employee in an Audi before striking him, causing severe injuries.

Hale is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and hit-and-run causing great bodily harm for the incident that took place Monday in Waukesha County, according to court records.

Earlier that day, Hale had been let go from his job at Aptar, a company that manufactures products for healthcare and consumer brands, reportedly due to “poor work performance and stealing company time,” court filings state. Authorities say Hale targeted his former colleague in the parking lot of a nearby Dollar General in Mukwonago.

Investigators reported finding the victim face down, bleeding, and suffering a “very serious brain injury.” Surveillance footage reviewed by police allegedly shows Hale following the man in his Audi. According to prosecutors, the video captures Hale driving slowly behind the employee before speeding up and swerving toward him as the victim attempted to move out of the way—ultimately hitting him and sending him over the hood and roof of the car.

Police asked an Aptar manager to examine the video, and he identified Hale as the driver. The company, which describes itself as a global leader in drug delivery and consumer product dispensing technologies, serves many top healthcare and consumer brands worldwide.

Authorities say Hale was later located at a family member’s home, where the Audi was parked. The vehicle reportedly had damage to the hood and a cracked windshield. Hale was found hiding inside the house and was taken into custody on Wednesday, with bond set at $750,000.

A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for February 20.

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