Man charged in crash that killed Waukesha teen Megan Voss
WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 19-year-old West Allis man has been formally charged in connection with a crash that left a 17-year-old girl from Waukesha dead.
Jason Zehe is facing the following charges:
- Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle
- Second degree reckless homicide
- Operating while intoxicated causing injury
- Second degree recklessly endangering safety
- Possession of THC
The crash happened Dec. 30 just before 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Sunset and Guthrie. Witnesses reported a vehicle traveling at high speeds before failing to stop at a stop sign, hitting two other vehicles, one of which reportedly rolled over.
The crash left 17-year-old Megan Voss dead. Voss was a student and cheerleader at Waukesha West High School. Her tragic death rocked the Waukesha community.
According to a criminal complaint, Zehe was behind the wheel of a pickup truck and blew through the stop sign causing the crash. One person, the complaint says, described Zehe's driving as "very fast" and flashing the truck's brights.
Investigators say Zehe's BAC was .238 following the crash. While being treated in an ambulance, Zehe reportedly stated, "I just wish I wasn't drunk."
Zehe reportedly stated, "I am the one driving, and yeah, I should get charged for smashing into another [expletive] person."
According to the complaint, Zehe had been drinking at his girlfriend's house hours before the crash occurred. He reportedly told investigators he was drinking wine and vodka. Zehe was "kicked out" of his girlfriend's home when her father returned home, the complaint says, but after he left, he returned to pick up his girlfriend who ended up being in the truck when the crash occurred. Zehe's girlfriend suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Her BAC at the hospital was reportedly .179.
In court on Friday, Jan. 3, a judge set Zehe's bond at $250,000.
“You are a safety risk. You are somebody our community is extremely frightful of," said Waukesha County Judge David Herring. “You routinely go to [your girlfriend's] house, and you routinely drink and routinely drive home somewhere between 5-10 times.”
Zehe's next court appearance is Jan. 7.