The scene of an Oct. 5, 2024 fatal hit-and-run crash in Oshkosh. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The driver who allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian Saturday told police he knew he hit the man, but “made the dumb decision to drive away instead of call” before turning himself in later that day.
Drake Dodge, 21, was charged Friday with hit and run involving death for the crash on New York Avenue, just east of Algoma Boulevard, near Goss Court. An initial appearance is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
An obituary identified the victim as Ethan Luaders, 29.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the scene at 2:55 a.m. Saturday. The victim was found lying in the roadway. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
At 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Dodge turned himself in to Oshkosh police. He had been out with friends before returning home.
“He proceeded on New York Avenue and was between Elwood Avenue and Algoma when “a dude came out” and “he was just there” and the Defendant hit him. The Defendant stated that when he hit this person, he stopped, sat there for a second, and then drove around him and stopped near the stop sign at Algoma. The Defendant advised he was freaking out and didn’t know what to do. He advised he “made the dumb decision to drive away instead of call.” The Defendant was not able to answer the question why he drove off but said he’d thought about it ever since it happened,” the complaint states.
Dodge said he had two beers and four mixed drinks between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., but did not believe he was intoxicated at the time. A preliminary breath test was performed at the police station, but registered .000. A blood draw was also performed, but no results are cited in the complaint. Dodge is not charged with any alcohol-related offenses.
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