Wisconsin Rapids Man Accused of Causing Hit-and-Run Crash Resulting in the Death of a Woman Appears in Court

Friday, March 1st, 2024 -- 1:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A not guilty plea has been entered on behalf of the Wisconsin Rapids man accused of causing a hit-and-run crash that killed a 67-year-old woman.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Daniel Sawyer is accused of hitting another vehicle along Highway 73 near Plainfield and then leaving the scene. The driver of the second vehicle, Deborah Peterke, died at the scene.

After the incident, Sawyer was named as a person of interest. He was arrested at his Wisconsin Rapids home a few days later. A passenger in Peterke’s vehicle was hospitalized for undisclosed injuries. Court records show Sawyer didn’t speak during Thursday’s hearing, so a judge entered the plea on his behalf.

A scheduling conference will be held on May 28th, he faces up to 60 years in prison on the homicide charge if found guilty. No trial date has been set. Sawyer is free after posting a $75,000 bond in mid-January.

Per the terms of his bond, he’s not allowed to drive a vehicle or enter a bar or tavern. He’s also required to maintain absolute sobriety.

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