An anonymous tip led to the arrest of a Pulaski man for the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian struck while walking along County Road S just west of Sobieski the night of Dec. 21.
The body of George Birr, 51, was found in the ditch at about 7:43 a.m. Dec. 22, and authorities believe he was hit between 8 and 10 p.m. Dec. 21.
Joe Anderson, 35, was taken into custody on Dec. 23, after the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department received a tip from a person who said Anderson was looking for parts for his white GMC Safari pickup that he had damaged.
At a news conference Dec. 23, Sheriff Mike Jansen said Anderson’s pickup showed damage consistent with the evidence at the scene. The vehicle was impounded and is being stored as evidence.
Birr, who previously resided in Oconto Falls and Suring, was living with relatives in Sobieski. On the night he was struck, Birr was wearing dark clothing and was walking east on County Road S, facing traffic. He was within a half mile of the residence at which he was staying.
“George was known to take walks — nothing unusual,” Jansen said.
Toxicology reports were pending for Birr.
Jansen said Anderson acknowledged he had been drinking with a friend earlier in the day.
“The condition of what he was in at the time of the accident at this point is unknown,” Jansen said.
Jansen also said Anderson said he knew he hit something but didn’t know what. The accident occurred on a dark and cloudy night.
The sheriff’s department initially released information about the hit-and-run on Dec. 22, asking for help in finding a GMC with damage to the front passenger side headlight and missing a passenger side mirror. The sheriff’s department received numerous calls, including the one at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 22 that led to Anderson’s arrest about 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23.
“The public is crucial in assisting law enforcement with this type of investigation,” Jansen said.
The sheriff’s department is recommending charges of hit-and-run causing death and negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, with additional charges possible once the district attorney reviews the files. Anderson was scheduled to make his initial court appearance this week. The case remains under investigation.
“Deputies … are gathering more information to put a conclusion to this unfortunate situation at this time of year,” Jansen said.
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