By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
A 22-year-old Salem man, accused of causing injury while intoxicated, and his passenger remain hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning.
Thomas Scrambling was the driver of a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer, which struck a utility pole near the 24800 block of 84th Street in Salem, ejecting him and 22-year-old Natasha Robinson.
When Town of Salem Fire and Rescue personnel arrived at the scene shortly after 3:15 a.m., they immediately dispatched Flight for Life helicopter to transport the victims to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. Both are reportedly in critical but stable condition, according to a Kenosha County criminal complaint.
Authorities discovered several parts separated from car, which include, but not are not limited to the transmission, engine and front driver’s side axle.
Robinson, of Wheatland, suffered multiple injuries that include lacerations to the spleen and liver along with multiple fractures.
According to the complaint, Robinson twice stated that Scrambling was the driver of the vehicle.
Additionally, the complaint alleges that Robinson and Scrambling met at Drifter’s Bar, with plans to get more alcohol.
When authorities interviewed Scrambling at Froedtert, he had an odor of alcohol on his breath, the complaint alleges.
Subsequently, authorities obtained a search warrant when he refused to give a blood sample.
Toxicology results were not released as of press time.
Scrambling faces additional charges, including operating while intoxicated, operating after suspension, operating left of the center and unreasonable and imprudent speed.