LOWELL, Wisconsin – A 56-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested on his eighth charge of operating while drunk after reportedly blowing through a stop sign, losing control of his vehicle, and colliding, killing his 87-year-old passenger.
According to the statement, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, shortly before 4:15 p.m., a witness reported a motor vehicle accident with injuries on County Road I at County Road GI in Lowell.
According to preliminary findings, Gregory Moritz of Reedsville failed to stop at a stop sign at the junction of Baker Rd. and County Road GI while driving a truck north.
Moritz lost control, and the truck spun out and slammed the ditch, rolling several times before coming to a stop near County Road I. Moritz was treated at the scene and arrested for OWI.
His 87-year-old passenger, Ralph Finkler, was flown by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he died as a result of injuries incurred in the incident.
According to Wisconsin Circuit Court documents, Moritz faces the following charges:
Homicide by Intoxic Use of Vehicle (2nd+)
Felony C
OWI (seventh, eighth, or ninth)
Felony F.
Bodily harm or threat to a healthcare provider or their family
Felony H
Obstruct emergency/rescue personnel.
Misd. A
resisting or obstructing an officer
Misd. A
According to the announcement, neither Moritz nor Finkler wore their seatbelts. Alcohol and speed were both factors in the incident.
Moritz made his first appearance in Dodge County Court on Tuesday, where a $100,000 cash bond was established. He will appear for a review hearing on Oct. 30 before his preliminary hearing on Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m.
This incident is still under investigation.
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