Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run on Old Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, Leads to Two Arrests

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Pleasant Prairie resulted in the death of a pedestrian and has led to felony charges against two individuals. The event unfolded late on Sunday, April 27th, when Pleasant Prairie police officers were dispatched to the 8900 block of Old Green Bay Road around 10:23 p.m. following reports of an accident. Upon arrival, they discovered a pedestrian critically injured in the roadway. Emergency services transported the victim first to Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital and subsequently airlifted them to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee due to the severity of the injuries. Tragically, the pedestrian later succumbed to their injuries. The Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team conducted an extensive investigation at the scene. Subsequently, authorities arrested 34-year-old Briona Bishop on April 30th, charging her with Hit and Run Involving Death. Investigators allege Bishop was driving the vehicle that struck the pedestrian and then fled the scene, later attempting to conceal the car in Illinois. Additionally, 26-year-old Alexis Dodson was arrested and charged with Harboring and Aiding a Felon for allegedly assisting Bishop in hiding and concealing the vehicle. Both suspects have appeared in court, with significant cash bonds set.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred in the 8900 block of Old Green Bay Road within the Village of Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County. Old Green Bay Road serves as a key north-south route through the area, connecting various residential and commercial zones. This specific block is situated within Pleasant Prairie, a community located between Kenosha and the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Traffic patterns can vary, but late-night conditions, as when this incident occurred around 10:23 p.m., typically involve lower volume but potentially higher speeds and reduced visibility. While specific details about sidewalks, crosswalks, or street lighting at the exact point of the incident weren't provided in the initial report, the general nature of the road necessitates caution from both drivers and pedestrians, particularly after dark. A neighbor's account of a car speeding away underscores potential risks associated with driver behavior on this stretch.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Wisconsin, incidents like this fatal hit-and-run invoke serious legal implications under state law. Wisconsin Statute § 346.67 mandates that any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must immediately stop their vehicle at or near the scene, render reasonable assistance to the injured person, and provide identification and vehicle registration information. Fleeing the scene of a fatal accident is a felony offense with significant criminal penalties. Beyond the criminal charges against the alleged driver and accomplice, the deceased pedestrian's surviving family members may have the right to pursue a civil wrongful death claim. Such claims in Wisconsin can seek compensation for damages including medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of society and companionship. Insurance coverage, particularly the driver's liability insurance, is often central to these cases. It's crucial to note that Wisconsin imposes a statute of limitations, a strict deadline for filing civil lawsuits, typically three years for wrongful death actions. Understanding specific legal rights requires consultation with a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

Related Resources

• Pleasant Prairie Police Department: Provides local law enforcement and accident reporting services.

• Kenosha County Sheriff's Department: Offers county-level law enforcement support and crash investigation resources (including the Major Crash Assistance Team).

• Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue: Provides emergency medical response services.

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT): Offers state road safety information, crash statistics, and traffic regulations. (https://wisconsindot.gov)

• Wisconsin State Statutes Online: Access to specific laws regarding traffic violations, hit-and-run incidents (Chapter 346), and wrongful death (Chapter 895). (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes)

• Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Program: May offer financial assistance to victims of crime, including hit-and-run incidents.

• Local Grief Support and Victim Advocacy Groups: Provide emotional support and guidance for families affected by tragic accidents.