Jason Lindemann PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Prosecutors filed 21 charges Wednesday against Jason Lindemann for a hit-and-run boating crash on the Fox River July 9, plus a citation for operating a boat while intoxicated was issued.
The charges against Lindemann, 52, include:
- Two felony counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Eighteen misdemeanor counts of boating accident involving injury, failure to render aid
- One misdemeanor count of negligent operation of a boat.
Winnebago County District Attorney Eric Sparr had removed himself from the case, turning it over to the state Dept. of Justice, citing the appearance of a conflict of interest.
A Jan. 19 initial appearance is set.
In addition, the county issued a citation for boating while intoxicated, with a Feb. 7 court date.
“Our boating laws and regulations help protect people’s safety,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thank you to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, the DNR wardens, and the prosecutors who have been working on this case.”
According to the criminal complaint, Lindemann was driving his powerboat on the Fox River when it collided with the “On the Loos” paddlewheel cruise boat just before 10 p.m. The paddleboat, carrying 44 people, suffered significant damage. Despite pleas from passengers on the damaged boat and nearby witnesses, Lindemann allegedly did not stop and render aid. After dropping injured passengers from his boat off nearby, Lindemann drove his boat onto Lake Winnebago, where he and the boat remained until the next morning. Law enforcement found Lindemann’s boat abandoned at a nearby marina the next day.
The owner of “On the Loos” told police “he had a clear view of the striking boat as it approached his boat. (The victim) said he saw the front end of the striking boat go up as it picked up speed and headed directly towards the On the Loos in a head-on fashion. (The victim) stated he was not able to get out of the way but honked his horn. The striking boat veered to its right and struck the paddleboat on the lower deck area,” the complaint states.
One victim told police he “heard the operator of the striking boat yell “I’m so (expletive), I’m so (expletive)” until the boat sped away with its lights off,” the complaint states.
When police discovered Lindemann’s boat, there appeared to be dried blood inside the boat, and a bird decoration which had been on the “On The Loos.”
One witness on Lindemann’s boat said Lindemann had been drinking beers while on the boat. After the crash, Lindemann ignored pleas to help those on the other boat, she said.
The victims described a variety of injuries, including back pain, cuts, bruises, leg and neck injuries.
The complaint offers no comments from Lindemann.
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