WAUKESHA, Wis. — An 81-year-old Wisconsin woman is facing a hit-and-run charge after police say she struck a pedestrian in an intersection and continued driving, later telling officers she believed she had “hit something” but was unsure what it was.
Authorities say Janet Wolfgram, 81, was behind the wheel of a red Chevrolet Cruze on February 8 when the crash occurred. According to a criminal complaint obtained by local media outlets, the collision happened as Wolfgram turned left at an intersection and struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street.
The impact reportedly launched the man into the air and over the hood of the vehicle, leaving him injured in the roadway.
Pedestrian Thrown Into the Air After Impact
Investigators say the pedestrian had been legally crossing the street with a walk signal when the crash occurred.
According to the complaint, Wolfgram’s vehicle struck the man with enough force to send him flying between 15 and 20 feet from the point of impact.
Surveillance video captured the moment the red Chevrolet Cruze entered the intersection and struck the pedestrian, sending him over the hood of the vehicle.
Despite the collision, police say the driver continued driving away from the scene without stopping.
The injured man remained in the roadway after the crash, clutching his leg as witnesses rushed to help.
Witnesses Quickly Report the Incident
Authorities say several bystanders witnessed the crash and acted immediately.
One witness called police while another followed the suspect vehicle as it drove away from the intersection.
The witness tracked the vehicle to a nearby Pick ’N Save grocery store parking lot, where the driver eventually stopped.
Meanwhile, emergency responders arrived at the scene where the injured pedestrian had been struck.
The man reportedly told police that he had been crossing the street legally when the vehicle hit him and continued driving.
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Driver Located at Grocery Store Parking Lot
Police say officers arrived at the Pick ’N Save parking lot shortly after the incident and found Wolfgram getting out of her vehicle.
Officers approached her and asked whether she was aware that she had been involved in a crash.
According to investigators, Wolfgram told police she “thought she hit something but wasn’t sure what.”
When officers informed her that a person had been struck, police say she became visibly upset and distraught.
Authorities noted that surveillance video from the intersection appeared to confirm the sequence of events.
Victim Survived but Was Injured
The pedestrian survived the crash but suffered injuries that required medical attention.
Reports indicate the man had been walking with assistance prior to the incident, according to a gas station attendant who knew him.
Officials have not released further details about the severity of his injuries.
Criminal Charge Filed Against Driver
Following the investigation, Wolfgram was arrested by officers from the Waukesha Police Department and taken to a local police substation.
She was later booked into jail and released with citations, according to police.
Prosecutors have now filed a criminal charge of hit-and-run involving injury against the 81-year-old driver.
The case is scheduled to proceed in court later this month.
Wolfgram’s next court appearance is set for March 31, according to court records.
Authorities have not released additional information about whether further charges could be considered as the case moves forward.
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