APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A dad who crashed his vehicle with his three daughters inside was drinking as he was driving, according to the criminal complaint filed Wednesday.
Gustavus Dalton was charged with three counts: two counts of injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm, and one count drunk driving, fourth offense, with a minor in the vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, Dalton told police he drove into an intersection and his truck was struck by another vehicle.
“When asked about consuming alcohol, the defendant confirmed that he had consumed two “tall boy” cans of “Hurricane” The defendant would later clarify that “tall boys” were 16 oz. cans. He initially indicated that he consumed the alcoholic beverages before picking up his girls, though he would later indicate that he was actually consuming the beverages in the vehicle as he was driving with the girls in the rear seat,” the criminal complaint states. “The defendant admitted to drinking with the girls in the rear seat. He indicated that he thought he was “ok to drive, but [he] probably wasn’t.” He further indicated, “I know I broke the law.”
The girls injured were ages 4 and 6, and were flown for treatment. They were wearing seat belts but were not in booster seats, according to the complaint. A 3-year-old who was in car seat suffered only minor injuries.
A blood test was taken, but no results are cited in the complaint. It does not mention any breath test being administered.
The driver of the vehicle which struck Dalton’s vehicle said Dalton’s road had a stop sign, and although he anticipated Dalton stopping for the intersection, Dalton did not, and they collided.
