Racine County authorities look for driver who struck a We Energies flagger in a hit-and-run incident

A GoFundMe has been started Karlee Rybarczyk, the victims of a hit and run incident that occurred on March 22.
A GoFundMe has been started Karlee Rybarczyk, the victims of a hit and run incident that occurred on March 22.

The Racine County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash where a We Energies flagger was hit and later transported to a hospital with significant injuries.

The incident took place at approximately 11:41 a.m. Tuesday in the Town of Burlington when a vehicle struck the flagger, We Energies employee Karlee Rybarczyk, near the intersection of South Honey Lake Road and Spring Prairie Road, then backed up and fled northbound on Honey Lake Road.

In a release, the Sheriff's Office said the victim was flown to a hospital via Flight for Life. Since the injury, family members of Rybarczyk have started a GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses.

"Karlee is a hardworking and dedicated individual who takes pride in her job. Unfortunately, her commitment to her job has left her with extensive injuries and a long road to recovery ahead," Alyssa Tucker, cousin of Rybarczyk, wrote in the GoFundMe Description.

Authorities are asking for assistance in identifying the offending vehicle and driver. Based upon the damaged parts left at the scene, eye-witness statements, and video evidence, Sheriff’s Investigators and the Sheriff’s Major Crash Assist Team believe the striking vehicle to be a White, 2007 to 2014, Chevrolet, 2500HD or 3500HD, pick-up truck.

They also added that the truck will have damage to the front driver’s side grill/driver’s side headlight assembly and damage to the front edge of the hood.

The vehicle appeared to be leaking fluid as it drove away. Broken parts from the vehicle were found at the scene consistent with black molding.

Witnesses on scene did not report any decals or stickers that would assist in identifying the vehicle.

“Someone out there knows of a person who drives this type of truck with fresh damage to the grill and hood.  You need to come forward, say something, and assist law enforcement so this seriously injured woman, who was simply doing her job, can receive the justice she deserves," said Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

To report information, contact the Racine County Sheriff’s Office at (262) 886-2300 and reference Complaint #23-15343.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine police look for driver who struck, injured We Energies flagger