On February 24, 2022, at approximately 2:15 p.m the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a hit-and-run crash that occurred at 348 Walnut Dell Rd in the Township of Platteville. A 2003 Buick Century was traveling westbound on Walnut Dell Rd when it left the roadway on the north side of the road and struck the mailbox at 384 Walnut Dell Rd. The driver fled the scene and did not stop.

Thanks to the Platteville Police Department, the vehicle was located within the City, and they identified the driver as Joseph Berg, age 29 of Platteville. Berg was not injured in the crash, and he was wearing his safety belt. Berg’s vehicle sustained minor damages to the frontal passenger’s quarter panel and passenger side front tire. The mailbox post was broken off at the base and the mailbox destroyed. Berg stated he was texting while traveling, which is why he fled the roadway. He left the scene of the accident because he wanted to avoid getting a ticket. They issued Berg citations for Hit and Run Property next to a Highway, and Inattentive Driving.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists of the dangers of using mobile devices while driving. This incident only resulted in property loss, but it could have been another motorist or a pedestrian who was injured or killed. Drive now, text later.