FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – An alleged intoxicated teenager from Green Bay caused a scene of chaos while speeding through downtown Fond du Lac at more than 50mph over the posted speed limit, ending in a multi-vehicle crash and her arrest.
Deputies with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office say the incident began around 6:35 p.m. on Friday, May 30, when a deputy saw a vehicle going 50mph in a posted 25mph zone on South Main Street near East 10th Street in Fond du Lac.
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The vehicle, which was later identified as being driven by a 19-year-old woman from Green Bay, was reportedly accelerating to around 80mph at that time. The deputy tried to pull her over, but terminated a pursuit after she continued to accelerate.
The suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed through downtown, crashing into one SUV near Division Street before colliding with seven other vehicles near Merrill Avenue.
After the speeding vehicle came to a stop and started on fire, the 19-year-old got out and surrendered to deputies. It was noted that one other vehicle caught fire, and several people were injured.
First responders began to assess the scene that spanned an entire downtown block and treat the three people and the suspect for injuries.
The 19-year-old suspect, who reportedly has a lengthy criminal history, was taken to a local hospital for treatment and will eventually be taken to the Fond du Lac County Jail on several charges, including OWI and operating while revoked due to alcohol.
Deputies allegedly found marijuana in her vehicle during a search.
It was noted that the teenager was out on two signature bonds out of Brown County for charges of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, OWI (2nd), and felony bail jumping. She was also out on a $250 cash bond out of Fond du Lac County for two counts of felony bail jumping. Lastly, she was out on felony probation for fleeing and eluding as well as two counts of bail jumping from Ozaukee County.
This young suspect, who already has a lengthy criminal history, left a massive path of destruction in downtown Fond du Lac on a Friday evening. She terrorized dozens of our citizens and visitors who were downtown to enjoy the start to the weekend. We’re thankful no one was killed, and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. This is the second serious and reckless high-speed crash along this stretch of Main Street already this year, and in this case a deputy was placed in a no-win situation – pursue and attempt to apprehend a reckless suspect who was likely to cause a crash, or terminate pursuit hoping the suspect would stop the reckless driving but knowing they would likely crash before doing so. We appreciate the prompt and coordinated response with our communications center, law enforcement, and fire/rescue partners who worked together to mitigate what could have been a very tragic situation tonight.
Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office
The suspect faces the following charges:
- Operating while intoxicated causing injury
- First-degree reckless endangering safety
- Operating while revoked due to alcohol / controlled substance refusal
- Fleeing and eluding an officer
- 3 counts of felony bail jumping
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The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crashes. No additional information was provided.
Local 5 will provide an update to this story when more details are released.
