Oshkosh hit-and-run suspect appears in court

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - A $20,000 bond was set in court for a man suspected of a hit-and-run that left another man dead.

Drake Dodge, 21, faces a charge of hit-and-run resulting in death.

The crash happened October 5. According to a criminal complaint, a man was found lying in the road at around 2:55 a.m. in the area of New York Avenue and Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh.

According to the complaint, another driver saw shoes and other items in the road but initially thought it was cardboard or trash. Once her headlights illuminated the victim’s body in the road, she immediately recognized it was a person and stopped her car. She then called 911.

When first responders arrived, they performed CPR, but ultimately the man was declared dead.

Later that morning, Drake Dodge, along with his parents, arrived at the Oshkosh Police Department to turn himself in. In an interview with police, Dodge admitted to hitting the man, stopping for a second, and then driving around him and stopping near a stop sign.

The criminal complaint said Dodge told police was freaking out and didn’t know what to do. He said he “made the dumb decision to drive away instead of call,” according to the complaint. The complaint also said Dodge was not able to answer the question why he drove off but said he’d thought about it ever since it happened.

According to the complaint, Dodge indicated that earlier in the night he had two beers and four Captain and Diet Cokes. In the complaint, he said he did not feel he was intoxicated and believed he was fine to drive home. He indicated he did feel a little buzz earlier in the night.

The complaint also stated that an officer went to Dodge’s home to investigate the vehicle he was driving. The complaint said the officer saw damage to the front grill and hood.

The victim’s mother made an emotional statement during Friday’s hearing.

“Anyone that leaves someone to die clearly has a disregard for human life and should be considered a danger to the public,” said Jana Jackson. “Drake should not have the luxury to go home to his bed, to his family and friends, while my son, our friend, family, loved one goes home in a box.”

The next court hearing for Dodge is scheduled for October 17 at 8:30 a.m.

The victim has been identified by his family as Ethan Luaders. A GoFundMe has been set up for his daughter.