• 31
  • January
    2012

A Wisconsin man, who turned out to be an illegal immigrant, is facing criminal charges after a car accident earlier this month injured a local teacher. The woman, who was hit as she drove through an intersection after stopping at a stop sign, sustained multiple severe injuries including a fractured pelvis and hip, as well as internal bruising.

According to the Walworth County Today, the woman's physicians say her injuries will require about two months of hospitalization, and the woman will undergo multiple surgeries.

Officers estimate that the suspect was traveling at least 20 mph faster than the posted speed limit, which increased impact of the accident. As a result, the 29-year-old man has been charged with reckless driving and and other violations.

The woman, who is a fifth-grade teacher at Central-Denison Elementary School in Lake Geneva, was trapped in her car for a time after the accident. Rescue crews reportedly had to use the Jaws of Life to free her from her vehicle. She was first taken to a local hospital but later airlifted to Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee.

The man could see up to four years and eight months in prison. He could also be fined $21,000 if convicted of the charges, which include reckless driving causing great bodily harm, operating without a valid license, and possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana.

It's estimated that he was traveling between 40 and 50 mph at the time he went through the intersection. The speed limit in the area is 25 mph.

Source: Walworth County Today, "Driver in court Friday, charged in accident that injured Lake Geneva teacher," Jan. 25, 2012