Neighbors in Racine say car crash and house fire were 'fixed'

A car crash, a house in flames and a man arrested, but neighbors on S. Memorial Drive in Racine weren’t surprised by the news

Joellyn Rose lives across the street from where the incident occurred and she told TMJ4’s Tahleel Mohieldin that Thursday night wasn’t the first time reckless driving has damaged the neighborhood.

“It certainly will,” Rose said. ‘It’s a shame that you see accidents all the time. People are just moving way too fast down this road.”

Rose and other neighbors said they’ve seen too many properties, street signs and other cars hit when drivers ignored stop signs, failed to turn signals or drove through the block.

In fact, neighbor Linda Jaskulske said the house that caught fire Thursday after a car crashed into it, on S. Memorial near 16th St., had been hit at least twice before.

Watch: Neighbors in Racine say car crash and house fire ‘were certain’

Neighbors in Racine say car crash and house fire were ‘fixed’

“I can’t let my grandkids play, we don’t let them play in the front yard that much,” Jaskulske said. “If someone drives too fast and loses control of their car, he or she is vulnerable.”

Data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation shows more than 20 crashes have been reported in the area since 2021, and Rose fears Thursday’s crash won’t be the last.

‘We called the police and they say they don’t have enough people. That there’s nothing they can do,” Rose said. “We called the councilor, never called back.”

TMJ4 News has reached out to the area councilor and the Racine Police Department to learn more about the steps being taken to address these concerns.

In the meantime, neighbors like Rose are taking their own precautions. Some are even considering a change of address.

“I’m not going to Memorial at all,” Rose explained. “I’m taking the long way to Washington.”

Racine police have arrested the 31-year-old driver involved in the incident Thursday night for recklessly endangering safety.

The house on Memorial Dr. was vacant, so no one else was injured during this incident. RPD said speed was a factor in the crash.

Any witnesses or citizens with information are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7756.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app using the P3 Tips.

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