A late night car chase led to a fatal crash early Sunday morning on the University of Wisconsin campus’ west side, leaving the vehicle operator dead.
The crash took place on University Avenue near Babcock Hall; the victim was taken to UW Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:54 a.m., a report from the University of Wisconsin Police Department said.
Dane County Coroner Ray Wosepka confirmed in a release that the victim was Darrell Pantazes, 51, of Skokie, Ill.
The report stated that at 12:10 a.m., a UWPD officer attempted to make a traffic stop after a vehicle was seen driving the wrong way on West Johnson Street. The vehicle failed to stop and continued to drive in the wrong direction on multiple streets, UWPD Sgt. Kerri Miller said.
“The officer attempted to make continued stop attempts, but the suspect repeatedly failed to comply,” Miller said.
Pantazes’ vehicle struck a second vehicle at the intersection of University Avenue and Orchard Street, the report said. The occupant of the second vehicle was taken to a hospital for “precautionary measures.” Miller could not comment on the extent of the individual’s injuries.
The report states Pantazes’ vehicle continued west on University Avenue before striking and flattening a traffic light pole. Following this, Pantazes’ vehicle went airborne and crashed into the side of the building at 1552 University Ave.
UW spokesperson John Lucas confirmed the location as the former site of University Health Services.
Pantazes was removed from the vehicle and taken to UW Hospital where he was shortly thereafter pronounced dead.
Miller said the efforts to handle the crash were coordinated between UWPD, the Madison Police and Fire Departments and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The coroner’s statement said Pantazes was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Alcohol was believed to have been a factor in the incident.
Though alcohol-related crashes are no new phenomenon on Wisconsin roads, Miller said a crash within the city, especially near campus, is a rarity.
“I’ve been here 11 years and I would say this is definitely an uncommon occurrence,” Miller said.
Further investigation regarding the incident is ongoing.
