Police: Driver smoked synthetic marijuana before crashing car

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Law enforcement officials say a 21-year-old man was smoking synthetic marijuana when he crashed his Jeep -- critically injuring a 15-year-old passenger. It happened Thursday afternoon on I-894 NB in West Allis. The driver's father says his son is filled with remorse over what happened.

Officials say the 15-year-old passenger was taken to Children's Hospital on Thursday with a fractured spine, broken bones, swelling in his brain and other injuries.

The Jeep's driver faces five criminal charges -- and there could be more.

Richard Tompkins' 21-year-old son Mitchell is in the Milwaukee County Jail facing charges that could land him in prison for up to 36 years.

"I'm just hoping the kid pulls through," Tompkins said of the 15-year-old victim.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office says Mitchell Tompkins was driving on I-894 NB with three passengers -- two 15 year olds and a 16-year-old.

Witnesses say Tompkins was driving between the third lane and the distress lane when he hit a disabled pickup truck.

"He said 'dad, the steering wheel started shaking and we went sideways.' He lost control," Richard Tompkins said.

Shortly after the accident, Mitchell Tompkins called his dad to the scene.

Richard Tompkins watched as first responders removed a 15-year-old friend of Mitchell from the rear passenger seat of the Jeep.

"I`m very sorry for the kid. What I seen that day, no parent should see that," Richard Tompkins said.

The Sheriff's Office says Mitchell Tompkins had K2 and a glass pipe in his car.

One of his passengers said Tompkins had been smoking K2 while driving -- while the others smoked marijuana.

Richard Tompkins spoke to his son on Friday, and says he has a message for the family of the 15-year-old who is critically injured.

"That he`s very sorry. That he`s very sorry that it happened. He`s really worried about him. He knows it`s his fault," Tompkins said.

The two other passengers in the car had minor injuries.