Richland County Sheriff's Office

Speed Awareness Day

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/22/2022

CONTACT: Sheriff Clay Porter  clay.porter@co.richland.wi.us

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM SIX STATES JOINING FORCES TO COMBAT SPEEDING

Richland Center, WI. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is joining law enforcement officers from six states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin) on July 27 in this year’s NHTSA Region 5 high visibility Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign.

This campaign is an effort to address the drastic increase in speed and hazardous moving violations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speeding is involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. NHTSA statistical projections for 2021 shows traffic deaths grew by 10.5% to 42,915.  This also represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the highest annual percentage increase in the recorded history of data in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

In 2020 there were 5,413 fatal injuries in the six-state region with 1,668 (30.8%) being speed related fatalities.  Traffic crashes that result in death due to speeding are higher in the summer months. The highest fatalities occur between June to September.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:

  • Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
  • Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
  • Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
  • Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries;
  • Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and
  • Increased fuel consumption/cost.

“One of the most concerning aspects of speeding is the increased stopping distance.”  “A vehicle traveling at 30 mph will need about 110 feet to come to a complete stop.” “In comparison, a car moving at 60 mph will need over 300 feet to stop, this is almost the entire length of a football field!” said Sheriff Porter.

According to the NHTSA, drivers who speed are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, drinking and driving, or using a cell phone while driving.

The speed awareness campaign has a twofold approach: to combine increased, zero-tolerance enforcement with effective communication to road users on the importance of obeying the speed limit.  High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) is a proven countermeasure for reinforcing driver compliance with posted speed limits.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness and save lives.  There is no reason to speed, it is unnecessary and endangers everyone on the road.  It may get you there a bit faster, but if you obey the speed limit signs, you will most likely arrive alive.

For more information, please visit http://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/.

One Person Arrested After Report of Criminal Trespass and Discharge of a Firearm

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Richland County Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 7/8/2022 at 12:34am the Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call of a male party who had gained access to his ex-girlfriend’s house on Catherine St in Orion Township. The caller stated he was acting crazy and shot at a vehicle that had pulled into the driveway. The caller was able to lock him out when he shot at the vehicle but the male party identified as Jonathon Scott was able to force entry back into the residence.

Richland County Deputies arrived on scene and were assisted by the Grant County Sheriff’s Department and the Muscoda Police Department. Contact was attempted over the squad public announcement (PA) system and the female victim was able to safely exit the residence. The male party refused to exit the residence when deputies requested. Richland County Special Response Team was activated and responded to the scene. After over two hours of attempts to negotiate and request Scott to exit the residence, gas munitions were deployed into the residence. Shortly thereafter, Scott started appearing in windows and then exited the door unarmed and was safely taken into custody.

Jonathan Scott was transported to the Richland County Jail and booked on charges of criminal trespass into a dwelling, domestic disorderly conduct, second degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

Sheriff Porter credits the quick thinking and actions of the first responding law enforcement personnel to the safe removal of the victim from the scene. Additionally, the specialized training and tools utilized by the Special Response Team resulted in a peaceful resolution to a dangerous situation.

Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest

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Richland County Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 6-26-2022 the Sheriff’s Department received a tip that a vehicle was traveling through Richland County after possibly being involved in drug activity in the village of Readstown. A Deputy of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. The driver and passenger were subsequently identified as Anthony Bailey and Dajah Swift, respectively, both from the Madison area, and were each found to have a suspended driver’s license. The Richland Center Police Department’s K9 Teddy was deployed and alerted to the presence of an illegal controlled substance. During the subsequent search and investigation, Dajah Swift was found to be in possession of just over an ounce of methamphetamine. Swift was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, while the driver, Bailey, was cited for Operating while Suspended and released. All charges will be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Sheriff Porter credited the alertness and thoroughness of the Deputy who made the traffic stop, and the law enforcement Officers who assisted in the investigation, for taking a significant amount of a powerful drug off the street.

In addition to the Richland Center Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department was also assisted on-scene by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, which is a multi-agency combined investigatory unit dedicated to combating local drug distribution. Sheriff Porter stated that it is the cooperation of law enforcement agencies that often makes these types of investigations successful and added that this investigation is a prime example.

Sheriff Porter also commented on the importance of citizen involvement in combating criminal activity and pointed out the fact that it was the tip from the concerned citizen that made this investigation and arrest possible. Sheriff Porter encourages any citizen who suspects criminal activity to notify law enforcement. Citizens may call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106, the Richland Center Police Department at 608-647-2103, or the Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 608-647-CLUE (2583). Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the P3 app at p3tips.com or by downloading the P3 app.

Two Injured In Three Vehicle Crash

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WHEN: 06/08/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:45 P.M.

WHO Involved: James Teach, 62 of Richland Center
Mary Alderman, 75 of Richland Center
Thomas Everson, 34 of Richland Center
Yvette Everson, 31 of Richland Center

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14, East of Townline Road

What happened: Richland County Dispatch received a report of a two vehicle accident on US HWY 14. Responding Deputies arrived and observed three vehicles involved in the crash. Deputies assessed the scene and no severe or life threatening injuries were observed. According to the parties involved, witness statements, and evidence at the scene show that Thomas Everson and his family were driving east on US HWY 14 in their Dodge truck back to Richland Center when they started to approach James Teach attempting to make a left turn into a driveway from the westbound lane in his Mazda compact. When Thomas approached closer to James another westbound vehicle driven by Mary Alderman crashed into the rear of the Mazda pushing him into the eastbound lane crashing into the Dodges front drivers side tires causing the dodge to spin and slide into the westbound ditch. Mary continued a short distance pulling off the road to wait for emergency response. Thomas, Yvette, and their 2 young daughters were wearing their seat belts and proper child restraints and suffered no injuries. James was wearing his seatbelt and suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Mary was wearing her seatbelt and suffered a minor injury and was also transported to the hospital for treatment. After questioning the drivers the Deputies believe the accident was caused by unfortunate location, sun glare, and lack of stopping distance. No citations or actions by law enforcement will be taken.

Arrest or Charges: None

Other Agencies Involved: Wisconsin State Patrol, Viola EMS, Richland Fire, Wegner’s Towing

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Vehicle Traveling North on State Hwy 58

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WHEN: 05/26/2022
TIME of Incident: 2:47 P.M.

WHO Involved: Ruth Anderson, 86 of Richland Center
Molly Rutherford, 29 of Richland Center
Ryder Whiteaker, 3 of Richland Center

WHERE Incident Happened: 25898 State HWY 58 Richland Center, WI 53581
(Ithaca Township, Section #20)

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports on 05/26/2022 at approximately 2:47 P.M. suspect vehicle driven by Rutherford was traveling North on STH 58 when operator of the vehicle became distracted and struck Anderson at the address of 25898 STH 58 who was walking across the roadway. Upon deputy’s arrival on scene they located Anderson in the North ditch line where she had died from injuries sustained. Suspect vehicle was parked along the shoulder of the roadway where deputies made contact with vehicle operator. Vehicle operator and passenger had no injuries from the crash. Operator did voluntarily submit to a blood draw and at this time there is no evidence of impairment. Vehicle operator was taken into custody and booked into the Richland County Jail for homicide by negligent operation.

Arrest or Charges: Molly Rutherford- 940.10(1) Homicide by negligent operation of vehicle

Other Agencies Involved: Wisconsin State Patrol, Richland EMS, Richland Fire

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

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WHEN: 05/17/2022
TIME of Incident: 12:42 P.M.

WHO Involved: Tyler J. Smith, 35 of Muscoda
Amanda J. Jones, 27 of Blue River

WHERE Incident Happened: Crossroad Drive and State Hwy 60

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 05-17-22, a traffic stop was conducted on Crossroads Drive just off of State Hwy 60 in Richwood Township. During the investigation, deputies learned that a passenger in the vehicle, Tyler Smith, was giving a false name. Smith was detained and later found to have a warrant out of Richland County. During a search of Smith, deputies located approximately 19 grams of a white crystalline substance, in three separate baggies, that later tested positive for methamphetamine. Also located on Smith were two used syringes, a Suboxone strip, and approximately $417.00 cash. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a digital scale where Smith was seated, as well as marijuana and a glass pipe in the possession of Amanda Jones-another passenger in the vehicle. Smith was arrested and transported to the Richland County Jail. Jones was cited for the marijuana and drug paraphernalia and released from the scene. All charges will be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Smith is also out on two bonds from Richland and Crawford Counties for similar drug charges. Richland County was assisted by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force during the stop.

Sheriff Porter would like to remind any Community members that may have information concerning a crime to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (608) 674-2106. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Richland Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 647-CLUE (2583). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the P3 app at p3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app.

Arrest or Charges: Smith – 961.41(1m)(e)3 Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Distribute, or Deliver Methamphetamine 10-50g, 961.573(1) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 961.41(3g)(b) Possession of Schedule III Drug, 946.41 Resisting or Obstructing Officer, 946.49(1)(b) Felony Bail Jumping (2 Counts)
Jones – Ordinance 90-5 Possession of Marijuana, Ordinance 17-13 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Solicitation for Bids

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Richland County is seeking bids to supply meals to the inmates of the jail for starting 01/01/2023.

All terms and necessary requirements can be obtained by contacting the Administrative Office of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-8906.

All bids are due by 4:00pm on Thursday, May 12th, 2022

Bids may be dropped off in person at the administrative office of the sheriff’s department Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm or mailed to the following address:

Richland County Sheriff’s Department
c/o Meal Bids
181 W Seminary Street
Richland Center, WI.  53581

Authority: Sheriff Clay J. Porter

Fatal Crash in Richland County

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WHEN: 03/09/2022
TIME of Incident: 4:19 P.M.

WHO Involved: Kathryn J. Slaney, 68, of Hillsboro, WI

Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 03/09/2022 at approximately 4:19 P.M. Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a rollover crash on State Hwy 80 near the south intersection of County Hwy BR. The investigation revealed that a northbound vehicle had exited the roadway on the right shoulder, struck a tree and came to rest on its side in a marsh. The operator of the vehicle, Kathryn Slaney, age 68 of Hillsboro was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroner’s Office.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Fire Department, Richland County EMS, Richland County Coroner’s Office, and Wegner Auto Service

Richland County Man, Missing Since Monday, Found Dead

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WHEN: 03/5/2022
TIME of Incident: 12:09 P.M.

 

On 03/05/2022, at approximately 12:09 P.M. the Richland County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a vehicle located in a creek below a bridge on State Highway 171. Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed the vehicle belonged to Francis Johnston. The vehicle, which was not visible from the road way, was unoccupied when it was located. A short time later, Francis Jonston was located in the creek deceased.

OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED:Viola Police Department, Richland Center Fire Department, Richland County Coroner’s Office and Wegner Auto Service

Francis Johnston Missing Since February 28th, 2022

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WHEN: 2/28/2022
 
TIME of Incident: 4:12PM
 
AGE: 60
 
Location:Boaz, Richland County
 

 

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is requesting assistance in locating Francis Johnston of the Boaz area. Francis went to an appointment in Viroqua on 02/28/2022 and has not returned home. Francis is driving a brown 1992 Cadillac and was possibly seen around 5pm on 02/28/2022 not far from home. Francis has not been seen or heard from since Monday. If Francis or his vehicle are located, please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106