TOWN OF FREMONT, WI- A Waupaca County sheriff’s deputy was injured early Tuesday morning when a speeding SUV crashed into the back of his patrol vehicle as he assisted at an earlier accident scene along U.S. Highway 10.
The incident occurred around 5:46 a.m. on Jan. 6, when the deputy was parked on the westbound shoulder east of Old 49 Road in the Town of Fremont with emergency lights activated to provide traffic control. According to officials, a westbound SUV approached at a high rate of speed and struck the rear of the squad car.
The deputy, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken by ambulance to ThedaCare Medical Center–Waupaca for evaluation. He was treated and later released. The SUV’s driver was assessed by medical personnel at the scene and declined further medical care.
The Weyauwega Police Department conducted the crash investigation and issued multiple citations to the SUV driver, including operating without a valid license, unreasonable and imprudent speed, failure to maintain control, failure to change lanes for a stopped emergency vehicle, and failure to carry insurance.
The Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department and Fremont-Wolf River Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Authorities say the crash underscores Wisconsin’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadway with lights activated. When moving over is not possible, motorists are legally required to slow down.
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