What Not To Do If You Hit Someone With Your Car

Incident Overview

• Columbia County dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting a bicyclist struck by a vehicle in Lodi, Wisconsin.
• Caller witnessed the incident and saw the vehicle flee the scene.
• Description and direction of the fleeing vehicle were provided to deputies.
• A side view mirror from the suspected vehicle was found at the scene.

Responsibilities and Moral Duty

• Important to take responsibility if involved in a car accident.
• Fleeing makes the situation worse and shows irresponsibility.
• Ethical duty to stay, report, and assist in such situations.

Police Investigation

• Lodi police located a vehicle matching the description.
• Driver identified as 43-year-old Marie Pinkston.
• Marie claimed she didn't realize she hit a person and thought it was a sign.

Inconsistent and Irresponsible Behavior

• Multiple suspect behaviors noted during the stop:
  • Confession of thinking she hit a person but continued driving.
  • Admission of consuming alcohol the night before.
  • Repeated, unclear storytelling and excessive unnecessary details.

Sobriety Tests and DUI Investigation

• Deputy noticed the odor of alcohol.
• Marie claimed she drank last night during trick-or-treating but insisted not today.
• Underwent field sobriety tests:
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test
  • Walk and Turn Test
  • One-Leg Stand Test
• Marie demonstrated impairment and attempted various stalls and refusals.

Arrest and Charges

• Arrested for operating under the influence and causing injury.
• Charged with felony counts:
  • Hit and Run causing bodily harm
  • Injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle
• Released on a $500 signature bond with conditions:
  • Maintaining absolute sobriety
  • No possession or consumption of alcohol

Consequences and Legal Actions

• Likely will face legal consequences including probation, community service, and possibly mandates like an ignition interlock device.
• Ethical and personal repercussions for causing injury and attempting to evade responsibility.
• Moral: Always take accountability in accidents to avoid legal, ethical, and social issues.

Summary

• Key takeaway: Fleeing an accident particularly under the influence exacerbates legal consequences.
• Importance of sobriety and being truthful with law enforcement.