Accused in crash that would take motorcyclist's life, charges to be upgraded for Joshua Kapfhamer

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- A West Allis man accused of killing a motorcyclist was in court on Monday, December 14th for his arraignment.

The accused is 31-year-old Joshua Kapfhamer. He is facing a felony charge of reckless driving -- causing great bodily harm.

The victim in this case is 47-year-old James Pulkkila. He died on November 10th after the crash November 2nd near Miller Park Way and Lincoln in Milwaukee.

Because Pulkkila passed away as a result of this crash, prosecutors indicated in court on Monday charges will be upgraded to homicide in this case. Kapfhamer's bail was increased to $10,000 cash (from $5,000 cash).

Kapfhamer's attorney issued a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Crash near Miller Park in West Milwaukee

Officials say Pulkkila was riding his motorcycle southbound on Miller Park Way near Lincoln Ave. that Monday evening. Officials say a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Joshua Kapfhamer of West Allis was headed northbound -- and apparently turned left in front of the motorcycle. The vehicles collided -- and Pulkkila was thrown from his motorcycle and seriously injured.

Kapfhamer was arrested for OWI after failing field sobriety tests.

A criminal complaint charging Kapfhamer with reckless driving indicates when officers arrived on the scene of this crash, a nurse was tending to Pulkkila -- who was not wearing a helmet.

That nurse had witnessed the crash.

Crash near Miller Park in West Milwaukee

The nurse said the motorcycle had been traveling southbound on Miller Park Way while the vehicle was traveling north. The vehicle turned westbound onto Lincoln Avenue -- and that's when the motorcycle was hit. The nurse indicated both vehicles had green lights at the time of this crash.

Kapfhamer and his passenger both indicated they believed their traffic signal was yellow prior to the crash, according to the complaint.

The complaint indicates Kapfhamer admitted to smoking marijuana prior to the crash -- and he performed poorly on field sobriety tests. He was tested at the hospital by a trained drug recognition expert as well.

It was determined that Kapfhamer's vehicle failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle, resulting in the collision.

The criminal complaint makes reference to two prior OWI convictions for Kapfhamer -- one in 2004 in Oklahoma, and more recently in 2014 in Milwaukee.

Kapfhamer will next be in court on December 16th.