Richland County Sheriff's Office

Fatal Crash

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WHEN: 12/15/2022
TIME of Incident: 1:59 A.M.

WHO Involved: Werner Hudak, 75, of County Highway Q, Richland Center

WHERE Incident Happened: County Hwy Q, west of Hyatt Springs Ln

On 12/15/2022, around 2 am, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that there was a male party located in the creek near a car that had driven into a creek on County Highway Q. A deputy from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office along with two Officers from the Richland Center Police Department responded to the scene. Life-saving efforts were attempted but were unsuccessful. Werner Hudak, 75, of Richland Center was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroners Officer.

AGENCIES Involved: Richland Center Police Department, and the Richland County Coroner

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Holiday Campaign

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Date:  December 14th, 2022

Richland County Sheriff’s Office to participate in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign

This holiday season, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and the nation to prevent tragedies in our communities.

There will be more officers out patrolling to get impaired drivers off the roads during the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign. It runs Friday, December 16 through New Year’s Day.

The campaign is not simply about stopping or arresting drivers. It is focused on saving lives. Someone is killed or injured in impaired driving crash every two hours in Wisconsin. During the last holiday season, there were nearly 400 crashes that involved an impaired driver.

Alcohol and drugs can have a significant impact on a driver’s focus and ability to maintain control behind the wheel. Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,368 alcohol-related crashes that killed 166 people. Alcohol contributed to more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.

Wisconsin officers have special training to help combat impaired driving, including:

  • 6,382 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roads
  • 365 highly trained Drug Recognition Experts, among the most in the nation
  • 25 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility OWI task forces operating around the state

Everyone in the community can help with this effort in several ways:

  • If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe ride home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel.
  • If you suspect a driver is impaired call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location.
  • Download the free Drive Sober mobile app from the WisDOT website. The app includes a find a ride feature to help locate mass transit and taxi or rideshare services.
  • Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home.
  • Buckle up and put your phone down. Every trip, every time..

One Vehicle Roll Over

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WHEN: 12/05/2022
TIME of Incident: 8:25 A.M.

WHO Involved: Maxwell Donnelly, 32, of Jefferson, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: On State Hwy 56 of Hickory Hill Road

Donnelly was operating a 1997 Ford traveling west bound on State Hwy 56 near Hickory Hill Road when he stated he lost control of his vehicle due to icy road conditions. The vehicle traveled into the north ditch line and over turned, landing on the drivers side. Donnelly reported no injuries.

AGENCIES Involved: Richland Center Fire Department

Two Vehicle Crash Results in Injuries

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WHEN: 12/05/2022
TIME of Incident: 6:56 A.M.

WHO Involved: Jacob Osborne, 21, of Fennimore
Jeffrey Vandenbergh, 48, of Richland Center

WHERE Incident Happened: On State hwy 56 at the intersection of County Hwy A

Osborne was operating a 1994 Suzuki traveling west on State Hwy 56 approaching the intersection with County Hwy A. Vandenbergh was operating a 1993 Peterbuilt slurry truck traveling south on County Hwy A approaching a stop sign. Vandenbergh stated he could not stop due to ice on the roadway and slid through the intersection, striking the Osborne vehicle. Osborne was transported by the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad to Gunderson Luthern Hospital in Hillsboro due to his injuries.

AGENCIES Involved: Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad and the Richland Center Fire Department

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

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WHEN: 11/22/2022
TIME of Incident: 10:51 P.M.

WHO Involved: David Verdick, 56 of Arena, WI and Ruby Clary, 58, of Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: City of Richland Center

Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on the evening of 11/22/22, a Deputy of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop in the City of Richland Center for expired registration. During the traffic stop, Deputy Schildgen developed reasonable suspicion and deployed his K9 Aron for a sniff of the vehicle. K9 Aron alerted to the presence of narcotics. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, the driver David Verdick was found to be in possession of 1.8g of a crystalline substance that later tested positive for Methamphetamine. Verdick was also placed through Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and showed signs of impairment. The passenger Ruby Clary was found to be in possession of narcotic pills she did not have a prescription for, and 2 pipes that later tested positive for Methamphetamine. Both Verdick and Clary showed to be out on open bonds for drug related charges as well as on active probation. All charges will be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for Prosecution.

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) 647-2106. 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: David Verdick – 961.41(3g)(g) Possession of Methamphetamine; 946.49(1)(b) Felony Bailjumping; 346.63(1)(a) Operating while under the influence
Ruby Clary – 961.41(3g)(am) Possession of Controlled Substance; 961.573(1) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; 946.49(1)(a) Misdemeanor Bail Jumping

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

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WHEN: 11/24/2022
TIME of Incident: 1:45 P.M.

WHO Involved: Brandon Young, 30, of Baraboo, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: Village of Gotham

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 11-24-2022, a traffic stop was conducted on State Hwy 60 near the intersection of County Hwy TB in the Village of Gotham for an equipment violation. During the traffic stop, the deputy requested a K9. K9 Aron of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department was deployed for a sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located 2.5g of a brown gravel substance that later tested positive for heroin, and .8g of a crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. These items were located above the sun visor of the driver’s seat, where Brandon Young was seated. All charges will be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Young is also out on bond from Columbia County for similar drug related charges.

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) 647-2106. 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: Brandon Young – 961.41(3g)(Am) Possession Of Narcotic Drugs; 961.41(3g)(G) Possession Of Methamphetamine; 946.49(1)(B) Felony Bailjumping; 346.63(1)(A) OWI 1st Offense

One Injured in Motor Vehicle Crash

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WHEN: 11/16/2022
TIME of Incident: 6:56 A.M.

WHO Involved: Julie A Pretsch, 22, of Lone Rock, WI
Glenn J Milos, 55, of Illinois

WHERE Incident Happened: US Hwy 14 just west of County Hwy B

What happened: On 11/16/2022 at 6:56am, Richland County Dispatch took a report of a two vehicle accident on US Hwy 14 just west of County Hwy B with injuries and road blockage. Responding Deputies arrived on scene and located both operators involved in the crash and determined only one had sustained injuries. The investigation indicated that the vehicle traveling Westbound operated by Pretsch, lost control of the vehicle due to road conditions and crossed the center-line striking the vehicle which was traveling eastbound. The eastbound lane of travel was closed down by the Richland Fire and Lone Rock EMS transported Pretsch to the Richland Hospital for non life threatening injuries. Wegner Auto Service assisted in the removal of both vehicles.

Traffic Stop Leads to Three Drug Arrest’s

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WHEN: 10/16/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:39 P.M.

WHO Involved: Joseph R. Fendler, 32, of Reedsburg
Kendall A. Preuss, 28, of Jefferson
Keisha M. Vasquez, 33, of New Lisbon

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14 at Simpson Implement

What happened: On 10/16/2022 at 5:39pm, a traffic stop was conducted on US HWY 14 near Simpson’s Implement. During the investigation, deputies learned that all 3 occupants had Revoked driver’s license. Kendall Preuss was arrested for Operating a Motor vehicle after Revocation. Deputies requested the Richland Center Police Department K9, Teddy, who was deployed and alerted to the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle by Deputies and the Richland Center Police Department 202.3 grams(0.45 lbs) of a white crystalline substance was located in 6 different baggies that later tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. Also located was one digital scale, multiple smoking devices, multiple small baggies, approximately $688.00 in cash, and a baggie of 11 suspected Oxycodone pills. Joseph is also out on one misdemeanor bond through Sauk County. Keisha is out on one misdemeanor bond through Juneau County and one through Sauk County. Kendall is out on one felony bond through Columbia County and one through Marquette County. Keisha and Joseph are on active Probation through the State of Wisconsin for similar charges. Keisha was arrested for Misdemeanor Bail Jumping and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Joseph was arrested for Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine >50g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession Schedule II Narcotic and Misdemeanor Bail Jumping. Kendall was arrested for Felony Bail Jumping, Operate Motor vehicle after Revocation, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing an Officer, and Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 10-50g. After Kendall was removed from a squad car a digital scale with a crystalline residue was located on the floor.

Arrest or Charges: Misdemeanor & Felony Bail Jumping, Obstructing Police, Operate Motor vehicle after Revocation, Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 10-50 g, Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine >50 g, Possession of Schedule II Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department

One Injured in Motor Vehicle Crash

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WHEN: 10/15/2022
TIME of Incident: 11:35 P.M.

WHO Involved: Hannah L Novy, 33, of Boscobel

WHERE Incident Happened: State Highway 60, East of State Highway 193

What happened: On 10/15/2022 at 11:35pm, Richland County Dispatch received a report of a vehicle in the ditch on State Highway 60 just East of State Highway 193. Responding Deputies arrived on scene and located vehicle operator, Hannah L. Novy, 33 of Boscobel unconscious but breathing a distance away from the vehicle. The initial investigation of the crash showed that the vehicle entered the ditch on the North Side of State Highway 60 just West of State Highway 193. The investigation shows that the operator of the vehicle was ejected from the vehicle before it came to rest East of State Highway 193 in the ditch. The driver was transported to Richland Hospital by Muscoda EMS for serious injuries.

Arrest or Charges: Accident still under investigation

Other Agencies Involved: Muscoda EMS, Wegner’s Towing

One Vehicle Crash on County Highway V Results in Injuries

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WHEN: 10/16/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:45 A.M.

WHO Involved: Riley Astle, 20, of Cazenovia

WHERE Incident Happened: County Highway V and Duren Drive

What happened: On 10/16/2022 at 5:45am, Richland County Dispatch received a 911 call reference a truck that was off the road on County Hwy V just east of Duran Dr. The driver of the vehicle, Riley Astle, 20 of Cazenovia was found conscious and breathing in front of the vehicle and was transported to Reedsburg hospital by Cazenovia EMS. The initial investigation of the crash showed that the vehicle entered the ditch on the north side of County Hwy V where it struck a culvert and the truck came to rest on a field road entrance.

Arrest or Charges: Accident still under investigation

Other Agencies Involved: Cazenovia Fire and EMS, Shields Towing