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