Arpin Man Facing Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle Charge for September 2023 Crash

Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

(Karen Madden, Marshfield News-Herald) -A 47-year-old Arpin man is facing felony charges for a September 2023 crash in the town of Auburndale that killed a 17-year-old Junction City girl.

According to Karen Madden with the Marshfield News Herald, Jason A. Peterson faces a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle for the death of Sophia Smrz.

According to the criminal complaint, at about 5:44 a.m. Sept. 22, 2023, Smrz was driving a Volkswagen west on Wood County Y when Peterson, who was driving a Ford F-150 north on Shady Road, failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn onto Wood County Y in the town of Auburndale.

Peterson told a deputy he was "pretty sure" he stopped at the stop sign, but he didn't remember, according to the complaint. Smrz, who had a head injury, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Peterson was taken to Marshfield Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. If convicted, Peterson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10.

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