No charges filed in crash that killed teenage boy
PELL LAKE — Criminal charges will not be filed against the driver of a vehicle that fatally struck a 13-year-old boy on a bicycle.
“It was definitely a tragic, tragic accident, without a doubt,” Bloomfield Police Chief Lloyd Cole said.
Troy Kozbiel died Aug. 4 at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa after getting hit at 12:50 p.m. the previous day by Wasyl K. Dobrowolskyj, 80, who was driving his car at the intersection of Greenview and Park roads.
Greenview and Park roads merge with Hillside Boulevard at an uncontrolled intersection.
The awkward intersection contributed to the wreck, Cole said.
Walworth County District Attorney Phil Koss reviewed the police reports stemming from the crash and recommended against criminal charges, according to a letter he wrote to the Bloomfield Police Department.
Dobrowolskyj had no alcohol or illicit substances in his system at the time of the crash, Koss said, and speed was not a factor.
The driver was going 20 mph, Koss said, and shadows on the road might have hampered his visibility.
“Given all the factors as presented to me, I do not believe that we could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that criminal negligence took place,” Koss said in the letter.
Bloomfield police agree with the district attorney, Cole said, and the boy’s family has been notified of the decision.
The investigation into the incident is over, Cole said.
Troy enjoyed playing video games and the trombone, his family members said after the crash.
He also enjoyed fishing, carpentry and working on inventions and household projects, they said.
Sep 4, 2008 at 10:44 p.m.
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Are flashing yellow lights considered "controlled"? Either way, that crossing is dangerous, and something needs done.
Sep 4, 2008 at 10:31 p.m.
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Yes, Copper, there are lights at the bike crossing. However, most people wanting to cross there do not activate them and because they are only yellow lights, a lot of drivers do ignore them. They see them as no different than the flashing yellows down the street at the fire station. Now when those lights turn red, everybody stops (most everyone, anyway...this is Janesville, afterall).
Sep 4, 2008 at 7:12 p.m.
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most?? please.....
Sep 4, 2008 at 12:29 p.m.
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is it also the law to run stop signs on bikes? or pull out in front of cars? most cyclists think that if they were there little helments they can do any thing they want on the roads...
Sep 4, 2008 at 11:55 a.m.
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Seniors as a rule hug the shoulder and don't move over for cyclists, even when there no other traffic around. I've had many close calls as a cyclist who ride several times a week all year long. They don't speed but won't yield the right of way either. And yes the cyclist has the right to the whole lane under law. The motorist needs to pass in a safe manor. Because a cyclist was involved police assume it's their fault. This stereotype needs to stop.
Sep 4, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.
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LOL @ thekid3477. I agree 100% with you but Lakennedy will continue the fight against the tunnel.
Sep 4, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
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Take note that this intersection was "uncontrolled intersection". At least where the tunnel is proposed if I'm not mistaken there are lights. That is controlled. And if a motorist is going to disobey traffic laws hitting a pedestrian, you can bet a lawsuit will be filed.
I'm not for, or even against the building of a tunnel... just pointing out something to think about before building something that could be labeled as a "want", as opposed to "need".
Sep 4, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.
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we NEED a tunnel before we are reading about this tragedy happening in janesville. period.
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