Fatal Vehicle Crash Involving Farm Equipment - Town of Lucas

On October 19, 2020, about 2:27 PM the Dunn County Communications Center received a report of a car that had struck an grain auger being towed by a tractor on STH 29 near 270th St in the Town of Lucas. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash. There was minor injury and road blockage.

The initial crash investigation shows that a 2013 Ford Fusion operated by 25 YOA female was westbound on STH 29 and came up behind a tractor pulling a 61’ grain auger (operated by a 54 YOA male) and struck the back of the auger. The farm equipment was displaying a slow moving vehicle sign. The driver of the car reported that her footwear interfered with her pedal operatation during the crash. However, it is apparent that a contributing factor in the crash is how quickly the distance closed between the female’s vehicle traveling at hwy speed and the slow moving farm vehicle.

The purpose of this press release is to remind the motoring public that the fall is a busy time for local farmers on the roads. There is a lot of extra traffic of large, slow moving farm equipment on the roadways. Please remember that your vehicle traveling at 55 MPH will very quickly close the gap between you and a farm implement that generally operate 15-25 MPH. Also, motorists should pay attention to farm vehicles turning into unexpected driveways. We would like to remind you that WI Statue 346.09 (3)(b) prohibits passing a farm vehicle (implement of husbandry or Ag CMV) in a no passing zone even though that vehicle is traveling less than half the posted speed limit.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.

Dunn County Sheriff K9 Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 341 grams of Methamphetamine

On October 11th, 2020 a traffic stop conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit led to the seizure of over 341grams of methamphetamine, scale, packing material, oxcodone, suboxone, a handgun and counterfit money. K9 Rip and his handler were instrumental in this seizure. Rip was purchased and he and his handler were trained utilizing funds donated by community members and businesses.

This traffic stop was the culmination of a nearly year long investigation into the distribution of drugs into Dunn County and other Western Wisconsin locations. This investigation was a collaborative effort of the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Memomonie Police Department and the West Central Drug Task Force.

Arrested as a result of the traffic stop and investigation was 25 year old Cassandra P. Davis-Suchla of rural Menomonie. Suchla had her initial appearance in Dunn County Court on Monday and is being held on a $15,000 cash bond.

Subject Ejected During Crash - Town of Tiffany

On September 25, 2020, about 9:28 PM the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Boyceville Fire and Ambulance, Menomonie Fire Ambulance along with Life Link III Helicopter were dispatched to STH 170 near 180th St in the Town of Tiffany for a one vehicle crash with an ejected occupant.

The initial crash investigation shows that a 2005 Chevrolet truck with two male occupants was traveling east on STH 170. The vehicle crossed the centerline went onto the left shoulder then over corrected and entered the right ditch. Upon entering the ditch the truck rolled several times and one occupant was ejected. The ejected occupant was flown from the scene by Life Link III. His injuries appear to be life threating. The other occupant was transported from the scene by ground ambulance, the extent of injuries is unknown at this time.

Preliminary investigation shows that speed and alcohol are factors in the crash.

The WI State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit also responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the WI State Patrol.

The names of the individuals involved in the crash are not being released at this time pending notification of family. Sheriff Kevin Bygd