FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WI — A 20-year-old Oakfield man has been charged after a crash last Thursday that hurt multiple people, one critically, at a Verizon store in Fond du Lac, reports NBC26.
Authorities said the incident occurred at 467 North Rolling Meadows Drive. Crews with Fond du Lac Fire Rescue responded to the scene at around 12:25 p.m.
A preliminary investigation indicates the young man was driving north on Rolling Meadows Drive when his vehicle veered off the roadway and went 300 feet through a terrace and a parking lot. It then jumped a curb and slammed into the building, which was occupied by multiple people.
A 29-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be airlifted to an area hospital.
Three other victims, including two men aged 30 and 23, as well as a 49-year-old woman, were all taken to St. Agnes Hospital with injuries considered non-life-threatening.
The driver, who was “escorted” away from the building following the crash, was also taken to the same hospital for unspecified injuries. A responding officer noted the suspect, who was arrested, had trouble walking and that his speech was slow. Though the suspect admitted to huffing air duster prior to the crash, officers searched his car and also recovered 0.4 grams of “plant material” that later tested positive for marijuana.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, May 2, the suspect was charged with nine felony counts, including “injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle” and eight counts of “recklessly endangering safety” in the first degree. Three misdemeanor charges include “possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC and causing injury while operating under the influence.”
The suspect, who faces 60 years in prison if convicted, is currently being held on a $300,000 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 12 for a preliminary hearing.
Our compassionate team of Appleton pedestrian accident lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC understands how to help families like yours fight for fair compensation after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has been injured at the fault of a reckless driver, we are ready to work on your behalf. Contact us at 920-335-1342 or online to book a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
