SUV v. Bicycle - Fatal - Update with names

***UPDATE***

The operator of the suspect vehicle in this incident has been identified as Taurean M. Johnson Puttman, age 31 of rural Baraboo, WI. Johnson Puttman was arrested for Hit and Run - Involve Death, Homicide by Negligent Operation/Vehicle, Operate without Valid License and Cause Death of Another Person, Operate Motor Vehicle w/o Insurance and Failure of Operator to Notify Police of Accident. Johnson Puttman was transported to the Sauk County Jail and turned over to custody of jail staff. 

The victim in this incident has been identified as Christin M. Harding, age 61 of Baraboo, WI. 

***End of Update***

On Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 at approximately 5:11 PM the Sauk County Dispatch Center was notified of a hit and run crash involving an SUV and a bicyclist on Levee Road near North Hein Road in the township of Fairfield. It was reported that the bicyclist was thrown from the bicycle into the ditch and that the SUV continued east on Levee road toward the Columbia County line. A second bicyclist that was on scene called 911 and began CPR. 

Initial responding deputies located the crash scene on the south side of Levee Road. Life saving measures were conducted by paramedics from Baraboo Fire and EMS but they were ultimately unsuccessful and the bicyclist was pronounced dead on scene. 

The suspect vehicle was identified as a maroon 2003 Honda Pilot through witness description and department resources. With assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, the suspect vehicle and operator were located on Tritz Road in Columbia County at approximately 6:45 PM and the investigation into this incident remains ongoing at this time. Names of those involved are being withheld pending notification of family and will be released at a later time. 

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff