Subject Struck by Vehicle - City of Menomonie

As a result of the completed investigations regarding the Menomonie Police Department squad vs. pedestrian crash conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol which occurred on Sunday October 15, 2017 at 1:02 a.m. the following charges will be issued:

Pedestrian: Brett Schulte

Charges:

1) WI S.S. 125.085(3)(b) Identification Card Violations 17-20 yrs.

(Intentionally carries an official identification card not legally issued to him or her)

2) WI S.S. 125.07(4)(b) Underage drinking violation-possesses or consumes

17-20 yrs.- 1st violation

3) WI S.S. 346.29(2) Standing in roadway

Operator of the Menomonie Police Department squad car: Sergeant Jason Barneson

Charges: None

On Sunday October 15, 2017 at 1:02 a.m. the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office was requested to investigate a motor vehicle crash that occurred in the City of Menomonie. The crash involved a pedestrian being struck by a Menomonie Police Department squad car. The crash location was on Wilson Avenue west of 2nd Street West. Dunn County Deputies and the Menomonie Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

Since that date the crash has been under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol. As part of that investigation, a blood sample was received from Sgt. Jason Barneson of the Menomonie Police Department and Brett Schulte the pedestrian. The blood test indicates that neither Barneson or Schulte had drugs in their blood sample. It also showed that Sgt. Barneson had .OO BAC (blood alcohol content) in his sample and that 20 year old Brett Schulte’s sample showed he had a BAC of .195, which is twice the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.

The investigation included a review of the in-squad video that showed Brett Schulte laying crossways on the road with his head near the centerline. It also showed that Sgt. Barneson took an evasive action attempting to miss Schulte.

On Monday, November 6th, an additional news release will include any charges that will be a result of this investigations.

DS

Serious Vehicle Crash - Highway 85, Rock Creek

On Saturday October 21, 2017 at 1:37 PM the Dunn County 911 Center received a report of a two car head on crash on State Hwy 85 in the 8400 block, Township of Rock Creek.

Based on the investigation it appears the eastbound vehicle involved drove left of center and struck a westbound vehicle. There was one occupant in the eastbound car and two in the westbound car.

All occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance to Mayo Eau Claire Hospital.

Dunn County first responders, Rock Creek Fire Department, Township Fire Department and Eau Claire Ambulance also responded to and assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.

The names of the occupants of the vehicles are not being released at this time.

Death Investigation - Village of Wheeler

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office reports that on September 27, 2017 at 2:41 PM the Dunn County 911 Communications Center received a report of a male subject who was unconscious on the bathroom floor. The location was 104 S. Hillside Drive, Wheeler, WI.

Deputies from the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office responded along with Colfax Ambulance. When they arrived it was determined that the subject was deceased and not able to be revived. The Dunn County Medical Examiner was called and came to the scene. Upon further investigation it was determined that an autopsy be performed.

Today, September 28, 2017 an autopsy was performed and no physical injuries were found that indicated any foul play or a cause of death. Blood samples were taken for toxicology tests to help determine the cause of death.

As of this time, the name is being withheld pending the notification of family members.

DS

FOLLOW UP – September 29, 2017

Yesterday, September 28, 2017 I reported that a subject had died on September 27th at the 104 S. Hillside Drive, Wheeler address. As of yesterday when the news release above was sent out, we had not been able to make contact with the victim’s family members.

Last evening, we were able to make contact with family members and made notification along with the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s staff. The person who was deceased was Eugene Thomas, age 55. The medical examiner has made arrangements with the family regarding the body. This matter will be pending until the toxicology test results are complete.

DS