Racine neighbors say car crash and house fire ‘had to happen’

A car crash, a burning house and a man’s arrest – 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 told TMJ4’s Tahleel Mohieldin that Thursday night wasn’t the first time reckless driving has caused damage in the area.

“It has to happen,” Rose said. “It’s bad that you keep seeing accidents. People are just driving way too fast on this road.”

Rose and other neighbors said they have seen too many properties, street signs and other cars hit when drivers ignored stop signs, failed to use turn signals or were speeding.

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

Watch: Racine neighbors say car crash and house fire ‘had to happen’

Racine neighbors say car crash and house fire ‘had to happen’

“I can’t let my grandchildren. We don’t let them play in the yard very often,” Jaskulske said. “If someone is driving too fast and loses control of the car, they are vulnerable.”

Wisconsin Department of Transportation data shows more than two dozen 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 she claims that she is short of workers. That they can’t do anything,” Rose said. “We called the mayor and we never answered the phone.”

TMJ4 News reached out to the local councilwoman and Racine police to learn more about the measures being taken to address these concerns.

In the meantime, neighbors like Rose are taking their own precautions. Some even consider changing their address.

“I don’t go to Memorial at all,” Rose explained. “I’ll take the long way through Washington.”

Racine police have arrested the 31-year-old driver involved in a Thursday evening crash on charges of reckless endangerment.

House on Memorial Dr. it was empty, so no one else was injured during the incident. RPD determined that speed was a factor in the crash.

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

People who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330 or through the Crime Stoppers app using P3 tips.

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