On May 12th, 2023 at 10:47PM multiple agencies responded to the area of East Clairemont Avenue and Fairfax Street for a crash involving two vehicles. A Dodge Charger was stopped at the traffic lights eastbound on Clairemont Ave at Fairfax St. The Charger was struck from behind by a Ford Escape, which was described by witnesses as traveling at a high rate of speed.
The Charger was pushed across the intersection and struck a traffic post. Witnesses advised the Charger became engulfed in flames after coming to a stop. Based on the initial investigation, speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash.
The driver of the Escape was identified as 40 year old Kenneth Van Meter. Van Meter was transported to a medical facility for injuries related to the crash. He was arrested for Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle.
The driver of the Charger died on scene. More information will be released about the victim at a later time. Wisconsin State Patrol is completing reconstruction of the crash, which is still under investigation.
