A 65-year-old New Berlin man was struck and killed Thursday morning on Highway 20 in the Town of Troy, according to the Walworth County Sheriff's Office. First responders tried life-saving measures at the scene, but the pedestrian was later pronounced dead by the county medical examiner. The driver stayed at the scene and was taken into custody, officials said.
What Investigators Say Happened
The Walworth County Communications Center received a 911 call about an unresponsive man in the middle of Highway 20 at Townline Road, and several callers reported that a westbound vehicle had hit a pedestrian, according to TMJ4. Authorities say the driver, identified as a 50-year-old man from Norman, Oklahoma, returned to the scene and remained there until emergency crews arrived. The Walworth County Medical Examiner later confirmed the victim's identity and pronounced him dead after efforts to save him were not successful.
Charge And Potential Penalties
After a preliminary investigation, the driver was arrested on a charge of Homicide by Negligent Use of a Motor Vehicle under Wisconsin Statute 940.10(1), which covers deaths caused by criminally negligent operation of a vehicle, as explained by the Wisconsin State Law Library. Under Wisconsin's felony classification rules, a conviction for a Class G felony can carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000, according to the state's sentencing classification table.
Ongoing Investigation And Where To Send Tips
The Walworth County Sheriff's Office and its crash investigators are still examining the circumstances of the incident and have not released additional details. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office non-emergency line at 262-741-4400 or call 911 in an emergency, per the Walworth County Sheriff's Office.
