APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The driver of a motorcycle involved in a crash which killed his passenger Sunday was drunk, speeding, did not have a valid driver’s license, and left the scene, according to charges filed Monday.
Zachary Burr, 22, is expected to make an initial court appearance Monday on charges of homicide by intoxicated use a vehicle, hit & run resulting in death, and operating while revoked.
Kaukauna Police responded to a crash at Taylor and Depot streets at 4:39 a.m. Sunday. Police found the victim laying the road, with two people trying render first aid.
“It appeared as though the motorcycle had been dumped and slid along the roadway into the north curb of Taylor St before striking a power pole, and continuing to slide to its resting place in the center of the road at the intersection of Taylor/Depot,” the complaint states.
When police found Burr, he stated he had just met the victim – who is not identified by name – and knew nothing about her.
Based on his appearance, odor, and speech, officers believed he was intoxicated. Burr said he had two beers Saturday morning, but nothing since then. Later, however, Burr said had three or four beers between about midnight and 3 a.m. A preliminary breath test showed a BAC of .11, higher than the legal limit of .08, according to the complaint.
The victim had made her way into the garage. Zachary and his brother Alex had multiple motorcycles in the garage. The victim wanted a ride on the motorcycle. Zachary said the victim had never rode on a motorcycle before. Zachary explained he tried to get the victim to wear a helmet, but she refused. Zachary also did not wear a helmet,” the complaint states. “Zachary admitted he did not have a driver’s license and does not have a motorcycle endorsement. Zachary said he has received paperwork about his license being suspended for too many speeding tickets.
Burr told police he was going about 50 mph in a 35 mph zone, although police said that area has a 25mph speed limit.
“Zachary believes a peg hit the concrete. Zachary believed the bike hit the curb,” the complaint states. He wasn’t sure what to do after the crash, panicked, and left the scene.
