Accident – death – Obituary News :

Driver Charged in Fatal Fond du Lac County Crash: New Details Emerge

In a tragic incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, 19-year-old Jatziel Manuel Pabon Encarnacion has been officially charged for his alleged role in a fatal crash in Fond du Lac County. The criminal complaint, obtained by Local 5, sheds light on the events leading up to the tragic accident.

The crash took place around 1:10 a.m. on Highway 45, where authorities responded to a reported collision. A 19-year-old woman, later identified as Taya Grimes, was ejected from a vehicle during the crash and tragically hit by another vehicle, which dragged her three miles. Encarnacion is believed to be the driver responsible for hitting and dragging the victim.

Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered a large debris field on Highway 45, along with a pool of blood and a trail leading away from the crash site. Witnesses who were present at a party prior to the incident reported seeing Encarnacion consuming alcohol. One witness even witnessed him vomiting outside. When they arrived at the crash scene, they were met with a horrifying sight of victims on the ground and blood.

According to a witness statement, the red Mazda driven by Encarnacion was traveling at a speed of 40-50 mph when it struck the victim. The witness noted that the vehicle appeared to slow down momentarily before coming to a stop. Shockingly, the vehicle left the scene, and the victim was no longer present when another witness arrived.

Another partygoer informed authorities that they had seen Encarnacion flaunting a red Mazda at the gathering and noticed him swaying back and forth. When questioned by the authorities, Encarnacion admitted to attending an underage drinking party but denied purchasing or providing alcohol. He claimed to be driving his brother’s red Mazda 3 and stated that he went straight home without making any stops.

During subsequent conversations with the authorities, Encarnacion confessed to driving on Highway 45 and passing through the crash site. He acknowledged hitting an object in the road, describing it as similar to going over a speed bump quickly. In a search of the vehicle, signs of blood, hair, and other materials were discovered on the underside and wheel well.

Encarnacion now faces a charge of Hit and Run – Great Bodily Harm, a felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison. At a bond hearing on January 9, a cash bond of $250,000 was ordered by the court. Encarnacion is scheduled to appear in court again on January 25. The Fond du Lac County District Attorney has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges in the future.

This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from reckless driving and underage drinking. It is crucial for individuals to understand the importance of responsible behavior on the roads to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.

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