Grant County Authorities release information on four accidents and two arrest incidents

 Motorcycle vs. Deer Crash with Injury 

On June 30, 2026, at approximately 8:42 pm, the Grant County Sheriff's Office was notified of a motorcycle vs. deer crash with injuries, on Old Potosi Road, near Seemore Ridge Road, in the Township of Potosi. Along with Sheriff's deputies, Potosi Fire and EMS were dispatched to the scene. 

When the deputies arrived on scene, they learned Henry Melssen, age 58, of Dickeyville, was operating his 2004 Harley Davidson southbound on Old Potosi Road, when a deer entered the roadway and struck the motorcycle in the left front portion causing the motorcycle to enter the ditch on the right side of the road. As a result, Henry Melssen suffered a broken leg and was transported to Finley Hospital by Potosi EMS. His passenger, Maria Melssen, was injured and was also transported to Finley Hospital by ambulance. The motorcycle received minor damage and had to be towed from the scene.  

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Potosi Fire, Potosi EMS, and Donny's Tire and Auto out of Dickeyville.

 One Vehicle Rollover No Injury 

On July 3rd at approximately 9:44am, the Sheriff's Office was notified of a one-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 18/35 just west of County Highway P in Patch Grove Township. After investigation, it was found that Brandon Austin, age 28, of Platteville, was operating his 2021 Ford Explorer westbound on Highway 18. There were heavy rains at the time of the crash.  

Austin's vehicle began to hydroplane and he lost control. The vehicle went sideways into the ditch on the north side of the highway where it struck a rock wall. The vehicle traveled in the ditch for a short distance before striking a protruding part of the rock wall along the ditch, which caused the vehicle to overturn 1 to 2 times. The vehicle came to a rest on its roof in the westbound lane of the highway. Austin was able to exit the vehicle on his own. 

Austin was wearing his seatbelt and the airbags deployed; Austin was evaluated by EMS at the scene but was uninjured. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene. Tire Tread depth is believed to be a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.  

The Mt. Hope Fire Department and West Grant EMS assisted at the scene.  

Driver Arrested for Sixth Offense Driving without a Valid License 

On July 3, 2026 at 12:32 P.M. the Grant County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Ford Fusion on Hwy 18, in Fennimore Township for traffic violations.  

Upon making contact with the driver, Leonardo Lopez, 26 of Boscobel, it was learned that Mr. Lopez had five prior violations for driving without a license convictions. As a result, Mr. Lopez was arrested for Operating without a License (6th) and transported to the Grant County Jail. Mr. Lopez was also cited for no insurance.  

This matter will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney's Office.  

Traffic Stop leads to OWI Arrest 

On July 3rd, 2026, at approximately 9:57 p.m., a Grant County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Hwy 151 at Maple Ridge Rd., in the Township of Platteville, for observed traffic violations.  

Upon contact with the driver of the vehicle, Joshua Shepler (26), of Platteville, the deputy detected signs of impairment. As a result of further investigation, Shepler was placed under arrest for Operating While Under the Influence. Shepler was also issued a citation for having an expired vehicle registration.  

One-Vehicle Crash with Injuries 

On 07/03/2026, at approximately 11:49pm, the Grant County Sheriff's Office received a report of a one-vehicle roll-over crash with injuries, on CTH B, near Platte Rd., in Harrison Township. Along with Sheriff's deputies, Potosi Fire Department and Potosi EMS were dispatched to the scene.  

When the deputy arrived on scene, he learned Lester and Dorothy Jantzen, both of Potosi, were west bound on CTH B, near Platte Road, in their 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, when they reported having difficulty seeing the road. When Lester Jantzen veered onto the shoulder, the vehicle left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and came to a rest on the driver's side in a shallow creek.  

A vehicle traveling behind the Jantzen's observed the crash, and assisted them until emergency services arrived.The Jantzen's were evaluated at the scene by Potosi EMS, and later transported to the hospital for further treatment. The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Potosi EMS, the Potosi Fire Department and Precision Automotive. 

One-Vehicle Crash with Entrapment - No Injuries 

On July 4th, 2026, at approximately 11:04PM, the Grant County Sheriff's Office received a report of a one-vehicle crash with entrapment, at the intersection of CTH S and CTH T, in Hickory Grove Township. Along with law enforcement, emergency responders from the Boscobel Fire Department and Fennimore EMS were dispatched to the scene.  

The the deputy arrived on scene, he learned a 2024 Dodge Ram operated by Steve Harris, 67, of Boscobel, failed to stop in time, causing his truck to go through the intersection and strike an embankment causing his truck to flip onto the driver's side. Harris was trapped inside the vehicle and needed to be extricated but he was not injured. The truck suffered heavy damage in the crash and had to be towed from the scene.  

The Grant County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Boscobel Fire, Fennimore EMS and Terry's Tire and Tow.  Harris will be issued a citation for Failure to Maintain Control.