“West Bend Man Charged in Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed Taya Grimes in Fond du Lac County”

Accident – death – Obituary News : FOND DU LAC, Wis. – A 19-year-old West Bend man, Jatziel Encarnacion, is now facing charges in connection with a crash that occurred in Fond du Lac County. Encarnacion has been charged with hit-and-run causing great bodily harm.

According to investigators from Fond du Lac County, the incident took place just after 1 a.m. on December 31. A silver Chevrolet was traveling on Highway 45 in the township of Auburn when it hit a culvert and rolled over multiple times. There were five people inside the vehicle, and tragically, the driver did not survive the crash. Four occupants were ejected from the car during the accident.

A Fond du Lac County sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report. The deputy discovered the severely damaged Chevrolet in a farm field. One person was found lying in the middle of the road, unresponsive but still breathing. Emergency medical services immediately attended to the injured individual.

The occupants involved in the crash were identified as follows:

– The driver, 19-year-old Taya Grimes from Hartford, sadly lost her life.
– A 17-year-old male passenger from Iron Ridge was transported to Froedert Hospital Milwaukee with critical injuries.
– A 16-year-old female passenger from Theresa was transported to Children’s Hospital Milwaukee with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
– A 17-year-old passenger from Milwaukee was taken to Froedtert West Bend by ambulance with minor injuries.
– A 21-year-old passenger from Iron Ridge was transported to Aurora Medical Center Washington County with serious, non-life-threatening injuries in a civilian vehicle.

A criminal complaint revealed that the Fond du Lac County sheriff’s deputy received information from a Washington County deputy that another person, later identified as Grimes, was found deceased in the road approximately three miles south of the crash on Highway 45. The Washington County medical examiner’s report indicated that Grimes suffered injuries consistent with being ejected from a vehicle and/or struck and dragged by a vehicle.

A witness at the scene of the crash informed the police that he was driving a white Volkswagen and had to swerve to avoid hitting a body in the road. According to the complaint, the witness stated that as he swerved, he saw Encarnacion’s red Mazda “come through the crash scene.” The witness claimed that it appeared as though the red Mazda hit Grimes and “clipped” the second victim in the road.

The complaint further stated that, according to the witness, Encarnacion was driving at a speed of “about 40-50 mph” when he struck Grimes and the second victim.

Several witnesses provided statements to investigators, indicating that Encarnacion’s car did stop after passing through the crash scene. However, he then drove away. Prosecutors stated that only one victim remained at the scene after Encarnacion drove off.

Encarnacion voluntarily walked into the West Bend Police Department around 7:30 p.m. on December 31, according to the complaint. He admitted to attending an underage drinking party near Kewaskum the night before and confirmed that he had consumed alcohol. However, he denied purchasing or providing alcohol to others. Encarnacion did not provide any further details about the party, only mentioning that he “left the party to drive straight home and didn’t stop on the way home.”

When questioned about the crash scene, Encarnacion admitted to driving through the area on Highway 45. He stated that he “struck an object” in the road, comparing it to quickly going over a speed bump. Deputies then conducted a search of the red Mazda he had been driving and discovered “signs of blood and hair” on the vehicle. The car also had exterior damage on all sides. Encarnacion was subsequently arrested.

Encarnacion made his initial appearance in Fond du Lac County court on Thursday, January 18. A cash bond of $250,000 was set.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving. It is essential to make responsible choices and prioritize the safety of oneself and others on the road..