“They are devastated:” Pewaukee father charged after 3-year-old son died in weekend crash

PEWAUKEE (CBS 58) --  A family was returning from a camping trip on Sunday morning when their car crashed into a tree near Prospect Avenue and Rocky Point Road.

A 3-year-old boy died from his injuries and his parents were taken to the hospital.

“Tragedy is a loss of life without a doubt but the allegation is that the defendant was operating a vehicle, expected to be under the use of intoxicants when his vehicle hit a tree,” said Laura Lau, court commissioner.

According to court documents, the father, Nicholas Dischler, 25,  stated “he fell asleep and woke up after the crash.”

Dischler told officers he drank 10-12 beers between sunset on Saturday to about 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.    

When investigators arrived at the scene of the crash, a deputy noted a “slight odor of intoxicants.” Dischler’s attorney argued that he passed field sobriety tests and were awaiting results from the blood test.  

Dischler is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, operating while intoxicated causing injury and operating while intoxicated, with a minor child in the vehicle.

During his initial appearance, the court denied Dischler’s request to attend his son’s funeral on Monday, which caused an uproar from the family. 

“They are devastated right now. I know the father would love to be with his family right now so we are hoping that happens soon,” said Christopher Ehrfuth, attorney.

Dischler’s bail was set at $50,000. His son’s funeral is on Monday.

The Office of the Mayor of Pewaukee released the following statement:

The City of Pewaukee would like to express its sincere condolences to
the victims, family, and friends of the victims involved in the automobile
accident on Sunday, July 15th.

Due to the privacy interests of those who were treated at the scene and
the fact that there is an ongoing investigation by law enforcement, the
Pewaukee Fire Department is unable to provide any details involving this
incident. The City can say that all relevant factors and information are
under review to ensure that applicable policies and procedures were
followed.

If you’d like to help the family, click here to donate to their GoFundMe account.