A hit-and-run case in Wisconsin has drawn attention after an elderly driver allegedly struck a pedestrian at an intersection and continued driving. Authorities say the driver later told police she believed she had hit something but was not sure what it was at the time. The incident left the pedestrian injured and led to criminal charges against the driver.
Pedestrian Hit at Intersection in Wisconsin
The incident happened on February 8 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. According to a criminal complaint, 81-year-old Janet Wolfgram was driving a red Chevrolet Cruze when the crash occurred.
Police say Wolfgram was turning left at an intersection when her vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road.
Reports indicate that the man had a walk signal when he began crossing the street. However, as Wolfgram made the turn, her car hit the pedestrian and sent him over the hood of the vehicle.
Authorities said the impact threw the man about 15 to 20 feet from the intersection.
Although the crash was serious, the pedestrian survived. However, he suffered injuries and was seen lying in the street holding his leg while waiting for help.
Witnesses Follow Driver After Crash
After the crash happened, witnesses at the scene quickly reacted.
According to police:
- One witness stayed with the injured man and called emergency services.
- Another witness followed Wolfgram’s car after it left the scene.
The witness followed her vehicle to a nearby Pick ‘N Save grocery store parking lot. This information helped police quickly locate the driver.
The injured pedestrian told officers he had been crossing the street legally with a walk signal when he was hit by the car.
He also told police that the driver did not stop after the collision.
Driver Told Police She Thought She Hit Something
Police officers from the Waukesha Police Department arrived at the Pick ‘N Save parking lot shortly after the crash.
Officers approached Wolfgram as she was getting out of her vehicle and asked if she knew she had been involved in an accident.
According to the complaint, Wolfgram reportedly told officers that she thought she might have hit something but was not sure what it was.
When police informed her that a person had been struck, she reportedly became very upset and distressed.
Authorities continued questioning her as part of their investigation.
Surveillance Cameras Capture the Incident
Investigators later reviewed surveillance camera footage from the area.
The video reportedly shows Wolfgram’s red Chevrolet Cruze driving through the intersection and hitting the pedestrian.
According to police, the footage clearly shows the man being lifted onto the hood of the vehicle before falling onto the roadway.
Officials said the pedestrian was thrown between 15 and 20 feet due to the impact.
A gas station worker who knew the injured man reportedly said he usually walked with assistance.
Driver Arrested and Charged
After locating Wolfgram, police arrested her and took her to a Waukesha Police Department substation.
She was later booked into jail but was released after receiving citations.
Authorities have officially charged Wolfgram with hit-and-run involving injury.
The legal case is now moving through the court system.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Janet Wolfgram |
| Age | 81 |
| Charge | Hit-and-run involving injury |
| Incident Date | February 8 |
| Location | Waukesha, Wisconsin |
| Next Court Date | March 31 |
Her next scheduled court appearance is set for March 31.
