On January 26, 2025, at 6:05 A.M., the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a hit-and-run accident on Highway 81 in Ellenboro Township. The victim reported that the offending vehicle, a dark-colored SUV, failed to stop and fled the scene, traveling at a high rate of speed toward Lancaster. Fortunately, the victim sustained no injuries in this incident.

A sheriff’s deputy was in the vicinity and located the suspect vehicle in a ditch and engulfed in flames at the Roundabout intersection of Highway 35/61/81 in South Lancaster Township. Through investigation, it was determined that Brandon Phelps, a 22-year-old resident of Morris, Illinois, was driving westbound on Highway 81 in his 2006 Lexus RX. Phelps failed to decelerate for the Roundabout and proceeded through it, causing a collision with a light pole. The vehicle subsequently came to rest in the west ditch and caught fire.

Phelps was apprehended for hit-and-run, vehicle damage, and operating while intoxicated (second offense). He was also issued citations for unreasonable and imprudent speed, auto following too closely, and operating left of center. Phelps sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated at Grant Regional Health Center before being released and booked into the Grant County Jail.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office received assistance at the scene from the Lancaster Police Department, Lancaster Fire Department, Lancaster Emergency Medical Services, and Bennett’s Towing Service.

This matter will be referred to the Grant County District Attorney’s Office for further review.

**Individuals arrested or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. An arrest merely indicates probable cause to formally bring charges.** The names of victims and witnesses to a crime have been withheld in accordance with Wisconsin Statute §950.04.