(Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
SOMERS, Wis. — Two 20-year-old Kenosha residents, Jeremy M. Varible and Gracelyn M. Pawlaczyk, were in court Tuesday after a dangerous overnight police pursuit ended in a violent crash and multiple felony charges.
Each faces one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of fleeing or eluding an officer. Both were ordered held on $25,000 cash bail by Kenosha County Court Commissioner William Michel II.
According to criminal complaints filed Tuesday, the incident began just after midnight on May 20. A Kenosha County sheriff’s deputy stationed near the intersection of County Highways E and H observed a dark sedan blow through a four-way stop at high speed. Moments later, a second vehicle followed, also traveling at high speed and without rear lights. Both vehicles failed to stop or slow at the intersection.
(Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The deputy attempted to pursue but quickly lost sight of the vehicles. A second deputy soon located the pair—identified as a grey Mitsubishi and a white Lexus—eastbound past the Somers Village Hall, traveling about 70 mph in a 35 zone. Officers noted that neither vehicle had functioning taillights or headlamps, and both appeared to be accelerating.
As more deputies joined the chase, speeds reportedly exceeded 100 mph. One squad car was clocked at more than 120 mph but was still unable to catch up to the suspects, who continued eastbound through multiple intersections and past residential neighborhoods.
(Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The pursuit ended when the Mitsubishi, allegedly driven by Varible, braked suddenly near 39th Avenue. The Lexus, driven by Pawlaczyk, struck it from behind. The Mitsubishi then collided with a traffic signal pole, which fell onto the vehicle before it came to rest in a tree line. The Lexus stopped in the intersection.
Both drivers were uninjured. Officers recovered a THC vape pen from Pawlaczyk’s vehicle. She reportedly admitted it contained THC and said she had purchased it in Michigan.
In post-arrest interviews, Pawlaczyk said she was speeding because she was worried about receiving a ticket and did not know what to do when she saw police lights. She estimated she had been driving 70–75 mph. She told deputies she ran the red light and was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting Varible’s car.
Varible stated he had earlier argued with Pawlaczyk near a KwikTrip by 75th Street and I-94. He told deputies she discovered he had been unfaithful and was angry. He was headed to her residence to retrieve his belongings when she began following him. He said he braked when he saw squad lights, and she hit him from behind. He admitted his driving was reckless and described his behavior as “a little crazy,” according to the complaint.
Deputies also located a dash camera in Varible’s vehicle, but he declined to allow officers to review the footage. Investigators documented lengthy skid marks at the scene, consistent with high-speed braking.
Both defendants are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on May 29. If convicted, each faces over 18 years in prison and mandatory license revocation.
14 Responses
Get some walking shoes and kick rocks kiddos!
She didnt know what to do when she saw police lights??? WOW! This generation just amazes me! She looks genuinely scared, but he has a cocky attitude look. That sense of entitlement look. I bet the new girlfriend is REALLY attracted to him now! they are damn lucky they didn’t kill or hurt someone!
Now you have my c.c #. How the hell do I get what I paid for?
What is wrong with people these days? Why do they feel it is necessary to try to outrun the police and think they’re going to get away and then something like this happens? They could have injured people were killed someone with their unlawful means of driving. Lock them up. Don’t give them a driver’s license back to even drive a car.
What did you pay for, Anon?
Deport both of them! It goes without saying that their actions could have easily killed or seriously disrupted the lives of decent members of society. These two could care less. Society will continue to erode if this isn’t dealt with harshly. Enough of this deranged behavior!
You do notice that one is white and one is hispanic?? How are they going to deport her? Jeez, come up with some better comments g force!
I don’t care what color anyone is. If you don’t want to act civilized in this country… DEPORT! When they crash through someones house and kill people what am I supposed to think about the situation? Oh jeeez??????
Well, what I am saying is that from a legal standpoint. There is no legal leg to stand on that would allow deportation of a US Citizen and they did not crash into someone’s home and kill anyone. Did they endanger safety and the community? Yes they sure did.
Deport them where you idiot?
What a cocky little punk, sitting there without a care in the world! It’s obvious that he has been there before!!! Send him to jail and perhaps he will learn a thing or two!!!
damn I feel bad for the guy he look tired and looks like he was crying
Well you should say that about her too, or just because she’s white and he is Hispanic!!
She didn’t know what to do when she saw the police lights! Hahahaha She must have missed that question on the drivers license written exam. Oops.