A Memorial Day ride in Kenosha turned deadly when a motorcycle was hit near 19th Avenue and 60th Street around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25, killing a 38-year-old woman and leaving a 41-year-old man in critical condition. Police say both victims were on the motorcycle at the time of the crash and that a 66-year-old Kenosha man driving the other vehicle was arrested at the scene.
Crash, victims and arrest
According to FOX6 Milwaukee, Kenosha police identified the driver as 66-year-old Archie Heath and said he was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. FOX6 reports the 38-year-old woman riding on the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 41-year-old man was flown to a hospital and remained in critical condition. The station also reports that police believe another driver committed a traffic violation that caused the collision, and that Heath is being held in the Kenosha County Jail on recommended charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
Scene and booking
Local reporting by Kenosha County Eye reviewed jail records showing Archie Lee Heath Sr. was booked Sunday evening on suspicion of homicide by intoxicated use and injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Kenosha County Eye also reported emergency radio traffic and photographs indicating Flight For Life was requested to the scene and that a Major Crash Assistance Team and detectives responded. Investigators allege Heath pulled out in front of the motorcycle, the outlet reports, and it noted that formal charges had not been filed as of publication.
Charges and what they mean
Police have recommended charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle, but formal charging decisions will be made by prosecutors after they review the full investigation, FOX6 Milwaukee reports. Under Wisconsin law, homicide by intoxicated use is set out at Wis. Stat. §940.09, which describes when a death caused by operating a vehicle while intoxicated can be charged and the felony penalties that may apply.
Next steps
Kenosha police say the investigation remains active and that more information will be released when available, according to Kenosha County Eye. The case will be reviewed by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether to file formal charges and set future court dates.
