Police: To hide 6th OWI, passenger told police she was driving

Police said a woman told police she was driving and struck a bicyclist Saturday to cover for a man who had five past drunken driving convictions.

Madison police said a 20-year-old Madison woman was biking on Madison’s near east side at 6:46 p.m. when a car struck her at Williamson Street and South Paterson Street.

Erin Komplin, 45, of McFarland, told police she was driving the vehicle at the time of the collision. But the bicyclist and witnesses told police that a man was driving.

Daniel Thaliaferro, 44, of Cottage Grove, eventually told police he was driving and struck the biker, according to a news release. He told police Komplin lied because he has five past operating while intoxicated convictions.

Taliaferro was arrested on suspicion of sixth-offense operating while intoxicated and obstructing a police officer.

Police said Komplin was cited on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.

Police said the bicyclist walked away from the crash with minor injuries.