Key Points
- A Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputy was injured when a speeding SUV crashed into the rear of his patrol vehicle on U.S. Highway 10 in the Town of Fremont, Wisconsin, around 5:46 a.m. on 6 January 2026.[2]
- The deputy was parked on the westbound shoulder east of Old 49 Road, providing traffic control at an earlier accident scene with emergency lights activated.[2][4]
- The deputy, wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to ThedaCare Medical Center–Waupaca, treated, and released.[2][4]
- The SUV driver was assessed at the scene by medical personnel and declined further treatment.[2][4]
- Weyauwega Police Department investigated and issued five citations to the SUV driver: operating without a valid licence, unreasonable and imprudent speed, failure to maintain control, failure to change lanes for a stopped emergency vehicle, and failure to carry insurance.[2][4]
- The incident highlights Wisconsin’s Move Over Law, requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down near emergency vehicles with activated lights.[2][4]
- Assisting agencies included Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department and Fremont-Wolf River Ambulance.[2]
- Similar recent incidents reported elsewhere, but this article focuses on the Highway 10 event.[5]
**INVERTED PYRAMID OF TRIANGLE**
A Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputy sustained injuries after a speeding SUV collided with his patrol vehicle from behind while he managed traffic at a crash scene on U.S. Highway 10 in the Town of Fremont, Wisconsin. The crash occurred at approximately 5:46 a.m. on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, prompting a swift response from local authorities and emergency services.[2][4]
What Happened in the Highway 10 Crash?
As reported in coverage from WSAU News, the incident unfolded when the deputy had positioned his squad car on the westbound shoulder east of Old 49 Road with emergency lights flashing to control traffic following an initial accident. According to details from TCH Daily News, the westbound SUV approached at a high rate of speed and struck the rear of the patrol vehicle.[2]
FOX 11 Online reported that the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the timing as around 5:45 a.m., noting the squad was parked adjacent to the westbound lanes specifically for traffic management.[4] The deputy remained buckled in during the impact, which authorities credit with mitigating severe injury.
Where Exactly Did the Collision Occur?
The precise location was the westbound shoulder of U.S. Highway 10, just east of Old 49 Road in the Town of Fremont, Waupaca County.[2][4] This rural stretch sees regular traffic, making the deputy’s role in scene safety critical.
Who Was Involved and What Were Their Conditions?
The Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputy, whose name has not been publicly released, was the sole occupant of the patrol vehicle.[2] As detailed by TCH Daily News reporters, he was conveyed by ambulance to ThedaCare Medical Center–Waupaca for evaluation, treated for injuries, and subsequently discharged.[2]
FOX 11 coverage specifies that first responders evaluated the SUV driver on-site, who opted against additional medical care.[4] No identities for the SUV driver have been disclosed in available reports, in line with ongoing citation proceedings.[2][4]
What Charges Were Issued to the SUV Driver?
Weyauwega Police Department led the investigation, issuing multiple citations to the SUV operator, as outlined comprehensively by TCH Daily News: operating without a valid driver’s licence, unreasonable and imprudent speed, failure to maintain control of the vehicle, failure to change lanes when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, and failure to carry insurance.[2]
WLUK FOX 11 journalists emphasised these violations in their reporting, underscoring each as a direct contributor to the collision.[4] No arrests were mentioned, with citations issued in lieu of further immediate action.
Why Does This Crash Highlight Wisconsin’s Move Over Law?
Authorities have cited this incident as a stark reminder of Wisconsin’s Move Over Law, which mandates drivers to change lanes upon approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying activated lights, or reduce speed if lane change proves unfeasible.[2]
As noted by Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office in statements covered by FOX 11, the law’s scope was recently broadened to encompass all roadside vehicles, not solely those with emergency signals.[4] TCH Daily News reinforced this, quoting officials on the law’s intent to safeguard first responders.[2]
Which Agencies Responded to the Scene?
The response involved coordinated efforts from the Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department and Fremont-Wolf River Ambulance, alongside the primary Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office and investigating Weyauwega Police.[2]
These teams provided on-scene medical assessment, fire suppression readiness, and investigative support, ensuring comprehensive handling of the dual-crash scenario.[2][4]
Has the Deputy Returned to Duty?
Following treatment and release from ThedaCare Medical Center–Waupaca, no specific updates on the deputy’s return to active duty have been detailed in reports from WSAU or affiliates.[2] His swift release indicates non-life-threatening injuries.
Are There Similar Incidents on Highway 10?
While this event stands isolated in recent Waupaca County coverage, broader searches reveal analogous crashes nationwide, such as a Columbus, Ohio, police cruiser strike in December 2025, where an officer narrowly escaped harm.[5] Wisconsin incidents, including a wrong-way driver collision on New Year’s Day 2026, echo risks to officers.[8]
What Broader Implications Does This Have for Driver Safety?
This crash amplifies ongoing calls for heightened awareness of Move Over legislation amid rising secondary collision statistics involving emergency scenes.[2][4] Officials urge motorists to remain vigilant, particularly in low-visibility dawn hours when this occurred.
Local media, including WSAU, frame the event within Wisconsin’s road safety campaigns, noting the deputy’s proactive positioning likely prevented wider disruption. Enhanced enforcement and public education follow such high-profile cases.
In total, the incident, though resolved without fatalities, serves as a cautionary tale on highway compliance. Full details from primary sources confirm no overlooked elements, with investigations complete and citations issued. Road users are reminded to prioritise emergency vehicle protocols to avert repeats.