Polk County, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin man is facing charges after police say he struck a 65-year-old pedestrian with a Dodge SUV, then allegedly switched seats with his wife and continued toward home.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident happened Saturday afternoon when Harvey was allegedly behind the wheel of the Dodge. His wife told investigators she noticed what appeared to be a person wearing a black hoodie or jacket before hearing a “thump” as the vehicle struck pedestrian Peterson.
She then allegedly asked a question that would become a key part of the police investigation.
Wife Says She Realized They May Have Hit a Person
According to the complaint, Harvey’s wife told police she said, “Oh my God, that was a person, wasn’t it?” She said Harvey responded that he did not know whether they had struck someone.
Police said Harvey then pulled the SUV over and parked along the side of the road. According to his wife’s account, he told her to “get in the driver’s seat.”
The two allegedly switched positions, with Harvey’s wife taking control of the Dodge.
Police said she drove along back roads as they continued toward their home. At some point during the trip, the couple allegedly switched seats again, putting Harvey back behind the wheel.
The complaint does not indicate that the couple remained at the scene to determine what had happened to the pedestrian.
Police Question Harvey’s Wife
Investigators later spoke with Harvey’s wife as part of the investigation. She was reportedly told that although she was not under arrest, she was not free to leave. Police read her her rights, and she agreed to speak with investigators.
During the interview, she provided the account of the Saturday afternoon drive, including the moment she believed the vehicle had struck a person.
Her statement became an important part of the investigation into what happened after the collision.
The case centers not only on the alleged impact involving the 65-year-old pedestrian, but also on what happened immediately afterward and whether the driver remained at the scene.
Couple Allegedly Returned Home After Incident
According to the complaint, the Harveys eventually made it home. Police said that after arriving, the couple had dinner.
Harvey’s wife reportedly told investigators that “there was a roast cooking in a slow cooker” while they were away. The ordinary evening at home was later interrupted when the couple’s daughter called.
According to the complaint, the daughter wanted to know where her vehicle was because she had received a call from police. Harvey’s wife told investigators that she did not tell her daughter what had happened during the drive.
The circumstances surrounding the vehicle and the police call became part of the investigation as officers worked to determine what had happened to the pedestrian.
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Harvey Remains in Jail
Harvey has since been arrested and remains in custody at the Polk County Jail.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday, where the allegations against him are expected to move into the next stage of the legal process.
The allegations described in the criminal complaint have not been established as facts in court, and Harvey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Harvey’s wife was not charged in connection with the incident.
The case now centers on the alleged collision, the decision to leave the scene and the account provided by Harvey’s wife about what happened inside the vehicle afterward.
For investigators, her description of hearing the impact and asking whether they had hit a person could be significant as the case proceeds through court.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Do you believe the wife’s account could play an important role in the investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
