Philip Slezewski appears before Manitowoc County court, via Zoom, April 5, 2024. (Manitowoc County court/Zoom)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A man charged in a Manitowoc County Christmas Day crash which killed his wife and mother faces additional allegations he had illegal drugs in his system at the time, besides not having a valid driver’s license.
Philip Slezewski, 39, of Allouez, originally faced six counts, including two counts knowingly operating with a suspended driver’s license causing death. The crash happened on I-43 at about 2:45 p.m. Slezewski’s wife, Heather Arcaro-Slezewski, 38, and his mother, Clarine, 71, died in the crash. He has pleaded not guilty.
Slezewski told police in December he had done cocaine and marijuana less than 24 hours before the crash. However, the toxicology results were not completed when the charges were first filed.
“Prior to collecting the blood, PHILIP said something to the effect of, “I did a couple lines of coke,” and estimated he did so at approx. 2100 hours on 12/24/23 when he was in Chicago. PHILIP also admitted to smoking marijuana Delta 9 THC at approx. 1800 hours on 12/24/23 when he was in Chicago,” the original complaint states.
In court last week, Judge Robert Dewane expressed frustration with the lack of lab results. The results were apparently provided, as prosecutors filed additional charges late Thursday.
The new charges include: two count homicide by vehicle with use of a controlled substance, two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, and two counts of injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
While new charges were filed, an amended criminal complaint was not filed. The new information alleges Slezewski had “a restricted controlled substance in his blood,” but does not specify the type or amount of drugs found.
Motorists are allowed to have some alcohol in their system – under .08 BAC – and still drive legally. However, in Wisconsin, any detectable amount of illegal drugs can result in intoxicated use a vehicle and related charges.
Slezweski returns to court Tuesday for a motion hearing. Slezewski had requested for his $10,000 cash bond to be lowered, but Judge DeWane postponed a decision, preferring to wait for the toxicology results to be returned before ruling.
No trial date has been set.
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