Passenger ejected in rollover, driver flees

Sheriff says minor in critical condition after single-car accident

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Authorities are seeking a Janesville man they said fled the crash scene where two people were ejected in a single-car accident.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Department said deputies responded to a report of a rollover accident with injuries at East County Road O and Interstate 90 just before 3 a.m. Sunday.

In a statement Sunday morning, Sheriff Robert Spoden said the driver fled the scene before first responders arrived.

Three occupants – all under 18 years old — were found injured at the scene, including one person found unresponsive in the roadway, the sheriff said. Only one passenger was in the vehicle when emergency personnel arrived.

According to the report, a 2000 Plymouth Neon was headed east on County Road O toward the I-90 overpass when it left the roadway, overcorrected and rolled once onto the road. One of the rear passengers was ejected before it landed upright, the sheriff said.

Spoden said the sheriff’s department is seeking Emeterio Acosta, 23, of Janesville, for questioning. Anyone with information on Acosta’s whereabouts is asked to call 608-757-2244.

County Road O was closed for about four hours Sunday morning, according to the report.

Spoden said alcohol appears to be a contributing factor in the crash. The report said one of the kids injured was in critical condition as of Sunday morning and the others were treated and released.

Janesville officers, troopers from the Wisconsin State Patrol, and fire and EMS responders from the City of Janesville also responded and assisted in the investigation, the report said.