Racine man charged in single-vehicle crash that seriously injured friend

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Racine man has been arrested after seriously injuring his friend in a crash last year.

David Melnik, 61, is now facing charges of intoxicated use of a vehicle - great bodily harm, use of a vehicle with a controlled substance in blood - great bodily harm, and reckless driving causing injury.

In November of last year, officers responded to the 300 block of 3 Mile Road in Racine. Upon arrival, officers located the victim laying on the side of the road after being ejected from the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as Melnik, was extracted from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital. Melnik admitted to consuming 4 alcoholic beverages.

Officers later spoke with the victim who was also a passenger in Melnik's vehicle. The victim told police that they were both at a bar drinking and Melnik was giving him a ride home. The victim said that while driving home, "Melnik floored the d*** thing and lost control of the vehicle.

Melnik tried to blame the crash on a small dog in the roadway, the criminal complaint says. The victim, however, did not see a dog.

Melnik admitted to police that he had 5 vodka sours and took prescription medication before driving. 

The victim suffered multiple rib fractures and a spine fracture.

Melnik's blood alcohol concentration was .136.


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