FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – The 19-year-old De Pere woman accused of causing serious damage in downtown Fond du Lac on May 30 while allegedly driving nearly 80 miles per hour (mph) in a 25 mph zone had her cash bond set at $500,000.
In a criminal complaint and release from the Fond du Lac District Attorney, Eric Toney, Kaitlynn Ray is officially charged with 25 counts stemming from the incident which occurred around 6:37 p.m. on May 30 in downtown Fond du Lac.
According to the complaint, Ray allegedly drove nearly 55mph over the speed limit on Main Street in Fond du Lac, wreaking havoc in the area. Numerous injuries and vehicle damages were reported, along with two vehicles that were reportedly caught on fire.
District Attorney Toney called the incident extremely dangerous in a statement.
“The danger to the public was extreme with the defendant alleged to be driving a vehicle approximately 80 mph, essentially becoming a missile down Main St., in a heavily populated area, endangering the lives of pedestrians and motorists. Our $500,000 cash bond request reflected the need to protect the public and ensure the defendant makes all future court appearances. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.”
Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney
Ray’s 25 charges are the following, with 22 of them listed as felonies:
- Nine counts with a repeater modifier for 1st-degree reckless endangerment
- Seven counts with a repeater modifier of felony bail jumping
- Repeater modifier for fleeing/eluding an officer while operating a vehicle
- THC possession, repeater
- Possession of drug paraphernalia, repeater
- Operating while revoked
- Five counts of OWI, causing injuries
The complaint alleges that Ray was fleeing officers as she struck numerous vehicles on Main Street and Division in downtown Fond du Lac. When she was arrested, she reportedly complained of an arm injury.
While being treated at the hospital, she allegedly stated to a Fond du Lac deputy that somebody was trying to kill her, but did not explain who. One deputy who spoke to her said she appeared to be hallucinating.
According to the complaint, the suspected marijuana in Ray’s vehicle tested positive for THC. At least six vehicles were reportedly struck by her driving, and at least five people needed medical attention.
Sheriff’s Office: Speed, alcohol to blame in Wisconsin crash that killed one man
Ray’s preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. on July 18. Local 5 will provide updates as needed.
No additional details are available.
