Grant County Accidents

 OWI Crash 

On April 4th at approximately 3:19pm, the Sheriff's Office was notified of a single-vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of Mt. Ridge Road and Graham Road in Mt. Ida Township. It was reported that the female driver had started running away from the scene, but then started walking back toward her vehicle. Officers with the Fennimore Police Department also responded to the crash and were first on scene.  

Fennimore Police located Trisha Morris, age 32 of rural Fennimore, walking on Graham Road just west of the crash scene. After investigation, it was found that Morris had been northbound on Mt. Ridge Road operating a 2001 Ford Explorer. Morris came to the intersection at Mt. Ridge Road and Graham Road and was traveling too fast to stop. As Morris was attempting to stop, her vehicle slid sideways through the intersection and left the roadway on the north side. The vehicle went into the ditch and overturned one time, coming to a rest on its wheels in a field. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was towed.  

Morris was able to exit the vehicle and residents of a nearby farm then arrived on scene after hearing the crash occur. Morris allegedly threatened to "get a gun out" if any of the bystanders called Law Enforcement. However, no gun was ever displayed, nor was a gun found on Morris or in her vehicle. 

Ultimately, Morris was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Crawford County and Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Morris was also cited for Operating without a Valid License and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  

Morris was transported by ambulance to Grant Regional Health Center for treatment of apparent minor injuries she sustained in the crash. The Fennimore Police Department, Fennimore EMS, and Collision Specialists assisted at the scene.  

Hit and Run Crash 

On April 4, 2025 the Grant County Sheriff's Office with notified of a two vehicle crash in the Township of Hazel Green on Highway 80 at Highway 11. It was reported one of the vehicles involved fled the scene of the accident. 

When Grant County Sheriff's Deputies arrived on scene they learned Jacqueline and William Stephanopolous were in their 2011 Nissan Titan driving Northbound. They were struck on the passenger side of their truck by a silver 2013 Ford Fusion. The operator of the Ford Fusion was attempting to make a u turn and fled the scene of the accident. There were no injuries reported from the crash.  

Through investigation it was learned the operator of the fleeing Fusion was Richard Smith, 35, of Hanover, Illinois. Smith was cited for failure to yield the right of way and operating without insurance. Charges for hit and run will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney.  

Terry's Tire and Towing assisted with incident.