By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 20:59:45.
Sheboygan Man Pleads No Contest in Fatal Pedestrian Crash Case
In a tragic turn of events, Nathan Heitzmann, a resident of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, faced the court on Monday, July 1, 2023, in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash that shook the community in April of the same year. Heitzmann entered a plea of no contest to a charge of homicide by vehicle use-controlled substance, while a second charge of knowingly operating while suspect (cause death) was dismissed and read into the court record for sentencing purposes.
Case Details
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, when Sheboygan police responded to a distressing call about a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle near N. 21st and Saemann Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a minivan and a white pickup truck at the scene, with the latter being driven by Heitzmann. Tragically, a 4-year-old child lost their life in the accident, alongside the child’s mother and two other juveniles who sustained injuries. The children had stopped to pet a dog owned by a witness present at the crash scene.
According to a statement provided by the witness, he saw a white vehicle fail to stop at the intersection’s stop sign on North 21st Street, leading to the collision. The witness recounted pulling his dog out of harm’s way and falling backwards onto the concrete as the maroon van approached. The two other children involved suffered abrasions and cuts in the incident.
During interactions with law enforcement, Heitzmann expressed remorse for the tragic outcome, admitting fault and acknowledging his mistake. He disclosed to officers that he did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident, further revealing his awareness of the precarious state of his driving privileges.
Investigative Findings
Subsequent investigations into the crash included an airbag module download from both vehicles involved, shedding light on the events leading up to the collision. Data analysis indicated that Heitzmann’s vehicle was in motion prior to the incident, with speed fluctuations recorded as the crash unfolded. The findings suggested that the defendant failed to make a complete stop at the stop sign, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Furthermore, inquiries with the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles revealed that Heitzmann had received notifications of license suspension due to multiple point violations in the months leading up to the accident. Despite being aware of his suspended driving privileges, Heitzmann continued to operate a vehicle, acknowledging his disregard for the legal ramifications of his actions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community grapples with the repercussions of the devastating incident, underscoring the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices. The memory of the young life lost in the crash serves as a poignant reminder of the irrevocable impact of negligence behind the wheel.
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1. Sheboygan 4-year-old hit killed
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