MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI — A 38-year-old Green Bay man faces multiple charges after a crash December 25 in the town of Centerville that killed two people and left several others injured, reports NBC26.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office said the fatal accident happened on northbound Interstate 43 at Fischer Creek Road.
According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect, Philip Slezewski, was driving a Chevrolet Suburban on a suspended license. While in the left lane north of Exit 137, he tried to pass another vehicle in order to merge into the right lane. Slezewski claimed a mechanical failure and loose steering in his vehicle caused him to lose control. He told authorities he was not aware that the Suburban struck a Chevy Tahoe that was also traveling northbound. The impact caused both vehicles to run into the median and strike a guardrail.
While Slezewski and a juvenile passenger from the Suburban both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to St. Vincent Hospital, two other passengers from in the vehicle were pronounced deceased. At this time, they have only been identified as two women, ages 38 and 71, Slezewki’s wife and mother, respectively. Both victims were from Green Bay.
The driver of the Tahoe, a 60-year-old Manitowoc man, was transported to Aurora BayCare with injuries considered non-life-threatening. ThedaStar crews took his passenger, a 66-year-old woman from Two Rivers, to ThedaCare for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
In addition to a suspended driver’s license, the criminal complaint against Slezewski indicates he had multiple unpaid fines. He faces a total of five charges: two charges of “knowingly operating a motor vehicle while suspended – causing death,” two charges of “knowingly operating a motor vehicle while suspended – causing great bodily harm,” and one charge for “possession of THC – PTAC, as a party to the crime.”
Scheduled to be in court on January 8 at 1:30 p.m. for an adjourned initial appearance, Slezewski bond has been set at $300,000.
Our compassionate team of Appleton passenger injury attorneys at Lindner Law, LLC understands how to help families like yours fight for maximum compensation after a painful event. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries at the hands of a careless driver, we would like to support you in the legal process. Reach out today at 414-488-6870 or online to book a free consultation at no obligation.
