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Car crashes into middle school
Car crashes into middle school
BEAVER DAM -- Police said a driver blew through stop signs while fleeing from officers late Wednesday night, Aug. 21 in Beaver Dam. The driver struck the Beaver Dam Middle School, leaving extensive damage that shocked neighbors.
Some activities at the school were canceled, but the superintendent remained hopeful Thursday, Aug. 22 the start of the school year would not be interrupted.
Crash and fire at Beaver Dam Middle School
The Beaver Dam United School District on Thursday morning posted that the open house scheduled for Thursday night was postponed " due to unforeseen circumstances."
"I could hear it getting closer, and closer, and closer -- then bam! said Stephanie Wiedenhoeft, neighbor. "It was just this huge like, explosion."
Stephanie Wiedenhoeft
Wiedenhoeft looked out her window just before midnight to see the impact. Viewer photos and video showed the fireball that followed.
"It was insane," said Wiedenhoeft. "I've never seen anything like it before."
The school district estimated $100,000 in damage. Wiedenhoeft watched as the driver was surrounded by officers, and ultimately pulled from the debris.
Crash and fire at Beaver Dam Middle School
The suspected driver, Roy Cortez, 22, appeared in Dodge County court via video Thursday -- his arm in a sling after investigators said he suffered a four-inch cut above his elbow from the crash.
Roy Cortez
Prosecutors said Cortez was likely intoxicated during a domestic disturbance a few blocks away from the school. According to prosecutors, Cortez took off in a white Dodge Dart, fleeing from officers at 80 to 90 miles per hour.
Beaver Dam police said he crashed into the school, created a hole 30 feet wide and seven feet tall. The impact knocked out power to the building, caused the school's cooling system to leak, and sparked two fires.
Car into Beaver Dam High School
Car into Beaver Dam High School
"There's going to be a nasty scar there for a while," said Wiedenhoeft.
Prosecutors said additional charges were possible against Cortez. Cash bond was set at $10,000. A preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 29.
Cortez faces one count of operator flee/elude officer -- bodily harm or property damage.
Roy Cortez2
Officials with the Beaver Dam Unified School District issued this statement: