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Driver not arrested in pedestrian's death

FULTON TOWNSHIP — No criminal charges are expected against the driver who fatally hit a pedestrian near Indianford on Wednesday night, a Rock County sheriff's official said this morning.

Thomas P. Sayre, 72, Edgerton, could not avoid hitting Roger L. Knitter, 33, Edgerton, who died at Edgerton Hospital, Cmdr. Troy Knudson said.

Knitter was wearing camouflage and standing in the road when he was hit, Knudson said, and witnesses told investigators Knitter had been drinking alcohol at an Indianford tavern before the crash.

The accident happened at 6 p.m. Wednesday on County M west of Second Street near Indianford in Fulton Township, Knudson said.

Before the fatal accident, a caller reported to authorities that an intoxicated man walking along the road, Knudson said. The caller drove past the man, but saw him fall to the ground and get back up.

Minutes later, Sayre was driving a 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck west on County M when he saw the man standing in the westbound lane of traffic less than 15 feet in front of his truck, Knudson said.

Sayre struck the man and immediately called 911, Knudson said, and he remained on the scene until investigators arrived.

Sayre was not injured, Knudson said, and he had not been drinking alcohol.

Speed was not a factor in the crash, Knudson said.

Sayre was ticketed for not wearing a seat belt and not registering his vehicle, Knudson said.