Fatal Crash - Town of Peru

On February 20, 2020, about 5:48 AM the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Durand Fire and Durand ambulance along with Mayo 1 Helicopter were dispatched to STH 85 at CTH O (w), in the Township of Peru for a two vehicle crash with injuries and entrapment.

The initial crash investigation shows that a 2007 Ford Explorer operated by a 67 YOA male was northbound on CTH O and failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection. The Explorer struck a westbound 2007 Honda Civic operated by a 54 YOA male on STH 85. The driver of the Honda Civic was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated from the vehicle. Life saving measures were attempted by Durand Ambulance and Mayo 1 personnel but the male was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiners Office.

The driver of the Explorer had minor injures and was not transported by ambulance.

The WI State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit was requested to assist 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.

Fatal Vehicle Crash - Town of Menomonie

On February 2, 2020, at 8:10 PM the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to the 3700 block of 420th St, in the Township of Menomonie for a one-vehicle crash with injuries.

The initial crash investigation showed a 4-door sedan was southbound on 420th St approaching a curve. The driver was unable to negotiate the curve. The vehicle left the roadway, and struck a group of large trees.

Due to significant damage to the vehicle, Menomonie Fire and Rescue extricated the adult male driver. Life saving measures were attempted on scene, but were not successful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The adult male passenger in the vehicle was transported to Mayo-Menomonie, where they received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The names of the individuals involved in the crash are not being released at this time.

Updated information: Feb 4, 2020:

The deceased operator of the vehicle was Christopher Becker, age 19, of Menomonie, WI

The passenger that was injured was Dylan Thomas, age 18, of Menomonie, WI

First Degree Homicide Arrest - Town of Colfax

On January 15th, 2020 at 6:00pm the Dunn County Communications Center received a request for a welfare check on a subject in Colfax Township. Dunn County deputies responded to the residence and discovered a deceased male in the residence.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Gary E. Styer age 51, with First Degree Intentional Homicide for the death of his 78 year old father Edward J. Styer, both of rural Colfax. He will appear in court today for a bond hearing at 1:15 p.m.

Investigators have learned that in the morning hours of January 15, 2020, Gary used a blunt object to cause the death of Edward and remained in the home with him until later in the day when he drove to Eau Claire and disclosed to an acquaintance that something had happened in the house. Evidence is still being gathered in this case as the investigation continues.