TOWN OF WEST BEND, Wis. — A hit-and-run crash in the Town of West Bend left a man injured and his dog dead on Monday night.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office had identified and taken a suspect, 54-year-old Aaron Maeder, into custody on Thursday evening, the Sheriff's Office announced.
Vehicle parts that were recovered at the scene had initially indicated that the suspected vehicle was a metallic steel-colored 2019-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Investigators used this information to narrow down the pool of potential vehicles.
While following up on potential vehicles, deputies located a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that was partially covered in a West Bend driveway. The deputies observed the vehicle and had found damage consistent with the evidence that was recovered at the scene, along with additional physical evidence indicators.
Maeder was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Washington County Jail on charges related to a hit-and-run causing injury.
The victim is recovering from his injuries. He declined an on-camera interview but said he wants the public's help to find the driver who hit him.
Watch: Washington County deputies ask for help finding a hit-and-run driver who injured a man and killed his dog
"Someone out there knows this truck—It is always better to self-report than to have law enforcement come to you," Sheriff Martin Schulteis said. "We will continue to follow every lead until we identify the responsible driver."
Debra Krause lives on Hillcrest Drive and said she is thankful her neighbor is recovering, but her heart is broken to hear his dog was killed. As an avid dog lover, she said she could not fathom losing her pets to a hit-and-run driver.
"It's very concerning," Krause said. "I feel so awful."
She said it's even worse to know the truck driver left the scene.
"It’s pathetic," she said. "I got hit by a drunk driver years ago, and that’s why I am hurt, walk funny, and I’ve got a broken back."
Krause urged drivers to slow down and asked anyone who spots the suspect's truck to contact the sheriff's office.
People with helpful information can call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 262-335-4378.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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