Officer Involved in Minor Traffic Accident

10/12/10

On 10/11/10 at approximately 8:00 a.m. the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a minor rear end collision involving an unmarked Sauk County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. Detective Joel Vodak, a 15 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, struck the rear of a vehicle with his unmarked squad at the intersection of 8th Street and Ash Street in the City of Baraboo while a vehicle was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn onto Ash Street. Baraboo Police responded and investigated the accident. Due to the low speed of the vehicles involved there was very minor damage to both vehicles.

During the internal investigation Wisconsin State Patrol was requested by the Sheriff’s Department to investigate the driving status of Detective Vodak. It was determined by the State Trooper that Vodak may be impaired. After further investigation, Vodak was arrested by the Trooper for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated First Offense. Vodak was later released to a responsible party.

The incident remains under investigation by the Baraboo Police, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department. Vodak was placed on Administrative Leave by Sheriff’s officials.

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Randy Stammen-Sheriff