Off-duty Superior officer arrested following crash that killed man, infant
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Police officials in northwestern Wisconsin say they have arrested an officer who was involved in a fatal crash early Friday while off duty.
Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander says the sergeant is being held in the Douglas County Jail on a possible charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
A statement from Alexander said Sgt. Greg Swanson has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy. It was not immediately clear if Swanson has hired an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
The arrest was made following a two-car crash in Superior about 1:15 a.m. The crash resulted in the deaths of a 23-year-old man, who police believe was from Eau Claire, and a 2-month-old boy named Elijah Michael Ojanen, from Virginia. A third person who was in hte vehicle with the two victims was taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries wasn't immediately known.
The driver of the other vehicle involved was Swanson, the statement said. And, for that reason, the police department has asked outside agencies, the Wisconsin State Patrol and Douglas County Sheriff's Office, to investigate.
"This is a sad and tragic incident. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased, and our hopes of a speedy and successful recovery for the other occupants involved," Alexander said in the statement.
Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf said he will request that a special prosecutor handle the case since the sergeant has worked closely with his office in the past.
