PLATTEVILLE, WI – On September 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., a motorcycle crash with injuries was reported on Town Hall Rd. in Lima Township, prompting a swift response from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Platteville Fire Department, Southwest Health EMS, and Wisconsin State Patrol.

According to authorities, Christopher Bartels, 69, of rural Platteville, was riding his 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on County Trunk Highway D, north of Platteville. As Bartels turned east onto Town Hall Rd., he lost control while navigating the turn, causing the motorcycle to slide onto its side and crash into the roadway. A passerby discovered Bartels unresponsive in the grass next to his motorcycle and noted he was not wearing a helmet. Bartels regained consciousness and was able to communicate with emergency personnel at the scene.

Due to the severity of his injuries, UW Med-Flight was dispatched and airlifted Bartels to UW-Hospital for treatment. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued Bartels citations for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) 1st offense and failure to maintain control of the vehicle.

The response effort involved coordination between the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Southwest Health EMS, Platteville Fire Department, UW Med-Flight, and Precision Towing of Platteville.