Two teenage boys were arrested Thursday morning following a dramatic collision involving a stolen SUV that resulted in significant property damage to a residence in Green Bay's 1200 block of Thomas Street. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. near the intersection of Thomas and Lark Streets, when the stolen vehicle crashed into both a parked car and a nearby home. Green Bay police responded to the intersection of Thomas and Lark streets for a report of a car crash. On scene, officers found an SUV, which had been reported stolen earlier in the day, had crashed into a parked car and then into a home in the 1200 block of Thomas Street. The home suffered significant damage, but police say that nobody inside was hurt. According to witness accounts, the stolen SUV was traveling at excessive speeds prior to impact. Following the collision, two occupants fled the scene on foot but were apprehended by law enforcement within approximately 30 minutes. Police believe the 15-year-old was driving the car. The two teenagers were transported to the Brown County Juvenile Detention Center. Both suspects, ages 14 and 15, sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the crash. The 15-year-old driver had an active warrant at the time of arrest.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred at the intersection of Thomas and Lark Streets on Green Bay's east side, specifically impacting the 1200 block of Thomas Street. This residential area features a mix of single-family homes and local businesses, with Thomas Street serving as a primary east-west corridor through the neighborhood. The intersection lacks traffic signals and relies on stop signs for traffic control, which may contribute to visibility challenges for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The Department of Public Works - Traffic Division installs and maintains all traffic signals, traffic-related signs and pavement markings within the corporate limits of Green Bay. The Green Bay Police Department maintains dedicated traffic enforcement resources in the area. The Green Bay Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) is comprised of four full time officers that are solely dedicated to traffic enforcement and traffic investigations. The residential nature of the street typically involves slower traffic speeds and on-street parking, making high-speed crashes particularly dangerous for both property and pedestrians in the vicinity.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, victims of vehicle crashes involving stolen vehicles may have several avenues for compensation, even when the at-fault drivers are juveniles. The Wisconsin Statute of Limitations is 3 years, meaning an injury victims has 3 years from the date of accident to settle their claim or file a lawsuit for personal injury claims. Property damage claims must also be filed within this timeframe. Motor vehicle theft occurs when a defendant intentionally takes, uses, transfers, or hides a vehicle without the owner's consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the car. Wisconsin punishes motor vehicle theft according to the value of the stolen vehicle. Operating a vehicle without consent is classified as a Class I felony in Wisconsin, potentially resulting in up to 3½ years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. Property owners whose homes were damaged may seek compensation through homeowner's insurance claims, while vehicle owners can pursue coverage through comprehensive insurance policies. In cases involving juvenile defendants, recovery may be complicated but not impossible, as parents can sometimes be held liable for their minor children's actions. Consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys familiar with Wisconsin's juvenile and motor vehicle laws is advisable for affected parties to understand their full legal options and ensure proper documentation of damages.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Green Bay Police Department: (920) 448-3200
• Green Bay Fire Department: (920) 448-3420
• Brown County Sheriff's Office: (920) 448-4200

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Green Bay Traffic Enforcement Unit: (920) 448-3200
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: 511wi.gov
• Brown County Highway Department: (920) 492-4950

Support Services:

• Victim/Witness Assistance Program - Brown County: (920) 448-4190
• Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Program: (608) 266-6470
• Legal Aid Society of Northeastern Wisconsin: (920) 432-4645

Legal and Insurance Information:

• Wisconsin State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 362-9082
• Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: (800) 236-8517
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Victim Services: (608) 266-0109
• Wisconsin Traffic Laws: Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road)