A Pulaski man has been arrested in the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian, struck while walking along County S just west of Sobieski Monday night. The body of George Birr, 51, was found in the ditch at about 7:43 a.m. Tuesday and authorities believe he was hit between 8 and 10 p.m. Monday.
Joe Anderson, 35, was taken into custody on Wednesday after the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department received an anonymous tip from an individual stating Anderson was looking for parts for his white GMC Safari pickup that he had damaged.
At a news conference Wednesday, 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, located in the town of Little Suamico. On the night he was struck, Birr was wearing dark clothing and was walking east on County 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.
As for Anderson, 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 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 Tuesday 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. Tuesday that led to Anderson’s arrest at about 1 a.m. Wednesday.
“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 next 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.
Categories
