Wisconsin State Patrol squad struck on I-41 in Racine County
RACINE COUNTY, Wis. - A traffic stop involving an impaired driver on I-41/94 southbound near Highway 20 in Racine County ended with a second impaired driver slamming into a state trooper’s squad on Wednesday, March 31. The Racine County sheriff said someone could have lost their life.
The driver of the vehicle that slammed into the squad car was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries suffered in the crash. The trooper suffered minor injuries.
Wisconsin State Patrol squad struck by vehicle on SB I-41 near Highway 20
This all began when a deputy conducted a traffic stop for speeding. It turned out, the driver, identified by authorities as Jonah Hughley, 24, of Milwaukee, was under the influence.
"There was two children in the vehicle, one of which was approximately 2 years old that was popped up in the backseat, not restrained at all," said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.
Schmaling said the trooper arrived to provide a cover while law enforcement moved the children to another squad car. That's when the squad was hit.
"There was a state trooper inside that vehicle at the time of the crash," said Sheriff Schmaling. "As you can imagine, he is shaken up, and he has minor injuries."
The driver of the second vehicle was also under the influence.
Wisconsin State Patrol squad struck by vehicle on SB I-41 near Highway 20
"We located a plethora of drugs, heroin, a tremendous amount of paraphernalia, marijuana, a lot of prescription medications, as well," said Schmaling.
The sheriff identified that driver as Harrison Geasler, 25, of Milwaukee. He required immediate medical attention for his leg injuries and was taken to the hospital.
"It was a devastating crash," said Sheriff Schmaling. "We are fortunate no one lost their lives."
Schmaling said just a few weeks prior to this crash, a deputy's squad car was hit by an impaired driver. He said it’s crucial people slow down on the highways and obey the rules of the road.
"The speeds are 70 miles an hour up there," said Schmaling. "There is no room for error."
Wisconsin State Patrol squad struck by vehicle on SB I-41 near Highway 20
Both drivers are facing several charges in these investigations including operating a vehicle while under the influence.
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