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