UPDATE — During an initial appearance Thursday morning, Samuel Cremers was ordered to not drive or drink while out on a signature bond.
Cremers is due back in court March 27 for a preliminary hearing.
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MADISON (WKOW) — The man accused of hitting and killing an off-duty firefighter during a crash on New Year’s Eve will not face charges connected to drunk driving, court records filed Wednesday show.
Court documents indicate Samuel Cremers will be charged with knowingly operating a vehicle while his license was suspended causing death.
Cremers allegedly caused a collision which killed Lake Mills Fire Capt. Chris Truman after Truman pulled over to help a stranded motorist on the side of the Beltline.
Cremers’ attorney, Shaun O’Connell tells 27 News Cremers used his own clothing to shield the off-duty firefighter and provide warmth during the time before EMTs and others could get to the collision scene.
Cremer’s preliminary breath test resulted in a blood alcohol content of .07 – below Wisconsin’s legal limit of .08. O’Connell says the result was .079.
Monona Police have yet to release whether Cremer’s car struck Truman, or whether the firefighter was hit by another vehicle in a chain reaction collision.
Authorities say the stranded motorist had lost control on the snow-covered, slick highway.
More at WKOW 27 News