81-Year-Old Wisconsin Woman Charged in Hit-and-Run Incident

Janet Wolfgram allegedly struck a pedestrian, sending him 15-20 feet into the air, before continuing to a nearby grocery store.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An 81-year-old woman in Waukesha, Wisconsin has been charged with hit-and-run involving injury after allegedly striking a pedestrian with her car and then continuing to a nearby Pick 'N Save grocery store. According to police, surveillance footage shows Wolfgram's red Chevrolet Cruze turning left at an intersection and hitting the unnamed man, who was sent flying over the hood of her car. Wolfgram allegedly told police she "thought she hit something but wasn't sure what."

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about older drivers and public safety, as well as the responsibilities of drivers who are involved in collisions. It also highlights the importance of witnesses reporting hit-and-run incidents to authorities.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Wolfgram was behind the wheel of her red Chevrolet Cruze when she turned left at an intersection and hit the pedestrian, who had the right-of-way. The impact sent the man 15 to 20 feet into the air. Witnesses followed Wolfgram's car to a nearby Pick 'N Save store, while another witness called the police as the injured man lay in the street clutching his leg. When police approached Wolfgram in the parking lot, she said she thought she had hit something but wasn't sure what.

  • The incident occurred on February 8, 2026.
  • Wolfgram was charged on March 13, 2026.
  • Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 31, 2026.

The players

Janet Wolfgram

An 81-year-old woman from Waukesha, Wisconsin who was charged with hit-and-run involving injury.

Unnamed Pedestrian

A man who was struck by Wolfgram's car while crossing the intersection and was sent flying over the hood of her vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“She thought she hit something but wasn't sure what.”

— Janet Wolfgram

What’s next

Wolfgram's next court appearance is scheduled for March 31, 2026, where a judge will determine if she will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of drivers remaining attentive and responsible behind the wheel, especially as people age. It also underscores the need for robust public safety measures and accountability for hit-and-run collisions that endanger pedestrians.