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UPDATE: Hit and Run Investigation Save Email Print
55 comments

Rachel Kozlowski
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UPDATED Tuesday, October 7, 2008 --- 3:30 p.m.

According to the Capital Times:

The Fond du Lac woman accused of nearly killing a Madison man and injuring his 2-year-old grandson in a hit-and-run accident Sunday was being sought by police for her possible role in another hit-and-run case in Madison two weeks ago, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

In asking for high cash bail for Rachel F. Kozlowski, 35, Assistant District Attorney Michael Verveer said police considered Kozlowski a suspect in an earlier hit-and-run, which occurred in Madison two weeks previous to Sunday's incident.

Kozlowski is charged with two counts of causing great bodily harm in a hit-and-run accident and one count of operating a motor vehicle after revocation for the Sunday accident in which she hit Jose Banuelos and his 2-year-old grandson.

"Both of them were very seriously injured," Verveer said, "and both of them are still hospitalized," and in serious condition. Banuelos "was near death" with his injuries, Verveer said. The 2-year-old has less severe injuries than his grandfather, but is still in serious condition, the prosecutor said.

The incident occurred at Vondron Road and Ellen Avenue on the east side where the 2-year-old and other children were playing.

When the 2-year-old ran into the street, his grandfather went after him and caught him, but the two then got hit by a gold van, witnesses said. Kozlowski allegedly got out of the van, screamed, "Oh my God," then ran away on foot without giving aid to the victims.

The accident occurred at about 6 p.m., but Kozlowski was not found until 8:45 p.m. when police saw her walking near the Monona Police Department. By then, it was too late to determine if Kozlowski had been drunk at the time of the accident, Verveer said at Tuesday's initial court appearance.

Jose Banuelos suffered numerous injuries and had to have his spleen removed as a result of the accident. He also suffered a broken leg and lacerated liver, while his grandson sustained a fractured pelvis and scalp laceration, according to the criminal complaint filed against Kozlowski.

Verveer said Kozlowski has several missed court dates in Dane County and has faced traffic charges and disorderly conduct and resisting officers charges here. She is currently facing two counts of operating after revocation of her license in Columbia County and has a bad driving record with traffic arrests in numerous jurisdictions around the state.

Defense attorney John Fahey asked Court Commissioner Scott McAndrew to allow Kozlowski into the bail monitoring program rather than setting cash bail, saying she has two children and a job. "Is there any reason to have her locked up there in the jail," he asked.

But McAndrew said there were "too many factors here that tend to make her somewhat of a risk," to fail to show up for future court dates. McAndrew set $1,000 cash bail on each count for a total of $3,000. He also ordered her not to drink or drive and to have no contact with the victims.

Kozlowski faces up to 15 years of combined prison and extended supervision time on the two charges of causing great bodily harm by hit-and-run and up to a year in jail on the charge of operating after revocation.

___________________________________________________________

UPDATED: Monday, October 6, 2008 --- 10:40 a.m.

UPDATED news release from MPD:

On Sunday evening, around 6:00 p.m., a grandfather was playing with his grandson on the sidewalk in the 2000 block of Ellen Avenue. This is where Ellen intersects Vondron Road. The little boy suddenly ran out into the northbound lane of Vondron. His grandfather quickly chased after him, scooping the two-year old up into his arms. A gold colored minivan then ran into them. Its driver got out, left the minivan in the road, and ran northbound on Ellen Avenue. She was later located and arrested by Madison Police at 8:47 p.m. The crash remains under investigation.

Suspect:
Rachel F. Kozlowski, age 35, Fond du lac
Ms. Kozlowski was arrested and tentatively charged with Failure to Render Aid to Injured 2 counts. Additional charges are possible.

Victims:
Male, age 52, Madison grandfather
Male, age 2, Madison grandson

Both victims were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

__________________________________________________________

Posted: Sunday, October 5, 2008 --- 9:25 p.m.

An adult and child are injured in a hit and run crash.

Madison police tell NBC15 a 52-year old man and child were struck just after 6 near the corner of Vondron Road and Ellen Avenue this evening.

Police say the man received life-threatening injuries, the child also had non-life threatening injuries.

The driver ran away from the scene and was taken into custody late Sunday evening.
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Posted by: anon Location: wi on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
As an example of her disreguard for the law, after being released from Dane Co. on bail, she was picked up for driving again in Dodge Co. less than 48 hrs after her release! She will most likely make bail by the weekend and be out to do this once again!
Posted by: anonymous Location: WI on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:55 PM
It's to bad most of you people writing in aren't getting the point. She was released from jail!!! And has priors. How she managed that I don't know. Please everyone check her records in numerous states and counties. There must be a website somewhere for that. You will see for yourself Rachel needs to finally be held accountable for her actions and the lies. I hope her luck has finally run out. She IS a threat to sociaty. And after all sooner or later she will have to realize she can't sleep her way out of everything she does wrong. Please check her records. You will see the best place for her is behind bars and then into rehab.
Posted by: Deanna Location: Madison on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM
So to continue from where I was I guess I just want to say sometimes people get so lost and do not know how to straighten themselves back to what they used to be and need help doing so. Rachel has a big heart and she has given a lot to people, if someone needs money, clothes, etc and she has it she'll give it unfortunately she has gone down a bad road. And when she did this she was so shocked, scared, etc and freaked out and ran. Obviousely she was going to turn herself in she just probably finally realized the seriousness of what she did and did not know how to deal with it except RUN which is the worst thing she could have done. Like I said perhaps she will not have lot's of time to think and get the "help" she needs to change herself and her ways. I pray the victims both make it thru this and hope they can find some way of forgiving, I know it is easier said than done but I too have experienced pain like this and hatred is no way to deal with it. Thank you all for listening.
Posted by: Deanna Location: Madison on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:51 AM
First off my thoughts and prayers go out to Jose and his Grandson,and a full recovery with no residing issues to follow. Secondly, I happen to know Rachel and yes she does have quite a few "issues" unfortunately perhaps it took something like this to finally wake her up. She is a very smart, intelligent girl actually you would be surprised, she just got "hooked up" in the wrong crowd some years ago and was steered and kept travelling in the wrong direction ever since. She tries to make things butter but instead makes the worse, and now she really did it. Perhaps this will get her the help she needs. It is very unfortunate it takes something like this but sometimes people get so far gone they don't wake up until something like this happens. I am not condoning by any means drinking & driving, drugs, ets but sometimes people get pushed off the right path and cannot get back on the right one themselves. She has a big heart and is a very intelligent woman who made a lot of bad decisions!
Posted by: Susan on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:43 PM
To those asking us to have humanity....Where was hers when she hit two people and then fled?
Posted by: Hypocritical Judgement Location: Pay It Forward on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Ok people, she has NOT been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. She is charged with hit & run & operating w/o a license. There is mutual “fault” on both parties involved simply by being there. Tragic, tragic accident! Driving w/o a license is a “misdemeanor.” Reacting in the way she did "fleeing" needs some serious dissection and she is facing a felony as such. With everything going on in our world right now, to those pointing fingers and judging because you are so upset by what this woman did. I challenge you to do something constructive; why don’t you spend some of that energy and find out what you can do to help the family that was injured. If you are so passionate about this there has to be something to help the injured Grandpa & child, if your intentions and soul are in the right place, this is where you should be focusing; a person as such would have all ready done so.
Posted by: me Location: there on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Actually what caused this accident was a 2 year old ran out into traffic,and actually its not illegal to drink and drive thats why threre is a .08 limit. And they found her 2 hours and 45 mins later and they said in the state journal that she was less then .08 but didnt state what. So was she really drunk? and calling people names or saying there stupid or correcting there spelling really shows how ignorant you are.
Posted by: Wake up before you post Location: Anywhere on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Regardless of how it happened...IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE. That is what caused the accident. And please don't drink and post here (especially at 7:45 this morning, anon). It makes you look really stupid .
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:52 PM
First, thoughts & prayers to grandfather & child who have suffered injuries. This website however is mob mentality, witch-hunt at it’s finest. I question the motives of those judging her "record" to “convict & sentence” her based on a tragic accident. “ Send her straight to hell,” “ lock her up for good”? Your comments suggest she pre-meditated and planned to mow down a child & grandfather. Where is your humanity? Who are you to judge & sentence? Motives need to be questioned here with some of the postings. Thank God our justice system provides protection against this mob mentality. She is innocent until proven guilty, of inattentive driving, under the influence, or whatever may result from the investigation. The one fact we have is she fled the scene & failed to render aid. Irregardless, these posting “I know” this woman garbage, unless you are a loved one of the accident victims & it is apparent “this woman” is now a victim too; I encourage you to find healthier venues 4 yoursf
Posted by: Help on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Does anyone learn anything in school any more, or is it just one big party? "I *no for a fact"? "Running down *there front yard"? "...from behind a *park car?" No wonder everyone thinks Sarah Palin is the height of intelligence.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Wisconsin on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Please don't fall for this womans story! Check her out for yourself. She does not have custody of her children, nor a ligit job. Her track record should speak for itself. She has lied her way out of more police matters than I can count. I HOPE the police finally check her record and justice will finely come to her.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Madison on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Regardless what anyone says about the grandfather and son- this is an accident and can happen. How this girl responded to it- is what is crucial. I understand panic- but to run? And when they finally did arrest her she had a BAC at .08. that was 3 hours later. That is what is so disturbing. Also she doesn't have a license- she shouldn't be driving and then to drink and drive? I find this woman to be repulsive and she should get time for this.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: madison on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:45 AM
I heard from someone in the neighborhood that the 52 year old man (grandpa,hero??)was working on his car that was parked on the street and the 2 year old was running down there front yard (which is a steep hill)to his granpa and ran into the street and she slammed on the brakes and swerved to miss him and hit both of them. bottom line is if these people were watching there 2 year old like they are responsible for this ACCIDENT would of never happened.
Posted by: truth Location: milwaukee on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:08 PM
I no for a fact that she has two kids. both do not live with her.one is not even in this state.how did she pull that off. she has never had a job that I no about. she needs to burn for this before some none drunk/drugee has to die for her bad choices.
Posted by: knowtoomuch Location: Wisconsin on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:27 PM
ATTENTION! Look at this woman's record!!! She is ill and needs help. Jail would be the safest place for her and all of us. She should have been jailed a long time ago. Someone could die at her hands soon. By the way, who ever said she has two kids to take care of should get all the facts. She did give birth to two children, however neither one belongs to her at this time! I hope the family is doing well and would be very interested in giving more horrific details regarding this woman if necessary! She should never have been released from jail!
Posted by: GOOD DRIVER Location: MADISON on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:08 PM
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Posted by: Mr. Obvious Location: Does it matter? on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:48 PM
The only problem with that statement is...you need some sense to be a GOOD DRIVER. Work on that first.
Posted by: GOOD DRIVER Location: MADISON on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:06 PM
SO IF SOME KID RUNS OUT FROM BEHIND A PARK CAR AND IM DRIVING SOBER AND THE SPEED LIMIT AND I HIT AND KILL THIS PERSON I SHOULD GO TO JAIL?
Posted by: Jake Location: Madison on Oct 9, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Respect for the grandfather! for all you morons berating him for where he played with his grandson, or for the kid running out into the street, blah, blah, blah... think about this- in the city of Madison, pedestrians have the right-of-way! So, if he had time to run out, pick up his grandson, and then she hit the two of them... she failed to yield to a pedestrian. it doesn't matter why they were pedestrians- kid runs out, someone steps on curb wrong checking mail and loses balance and falls into street... once a human body is in the street, it is the duty of the vehicle operator to maintain control of their vehicle should it become necessary to stop! They were not "playing in the street", they were walking, trying to get back to their yard, together. she ran down two innocent pedestrians. Gotta wonder how she drives with the kids in the car, don't you? Hope she goes straight to hell, and I hope her path is short, so she can spend longer there! Get well soon grandpa and grandson!
Posted by: Beg2differ on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I think it is irresponsible to let her out on the streets.
Posted by: lindi Location: madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:39 PM
This woman is a complete moron. she needs to be locked up & to have serious mental health. & her atty asking for no cash bail?? are you crazy! of course she is a flight risk..im sorry she has two children & a job..im thinking the children would be better off without her.what kind of example is she setting for them? in jail at least they can maybe havee some respect for their mother by saying she is paying her debt for the wrong doings she committed. this grandfather & grandson are very lucky to be alive & god's will..they continue to strive in their recovery. as for Rachel..get some help hon..seriously..before you do kill someone. & for the dolts who are blaming the people for playing on their own property..shut your mouths. you havent a lick of common sense.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:31 PM
i hope the grandfather and little boy heal quickly! my thoughts are with them.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Very close to the accident scene on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:14 PM
To Jacob: The way the his house (duplex) is situated, his backyard is right next to the sidewalk that is right next to the road! Some of these comments out here are very frustrating
Posted by: Shasta Location: Madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I grew up on Vondron Road. On the corner of Camilla and Vondron. My parents still live in the house today. Vondron Road is a very scary road. People going any where from 25 to 50 if not faster. It's unbelievable! Because of the bad choices of drivers my parents are no longer allowed to have my 4 year old sister play in the front yard or their grandsons? I will never understand the horrible remarks on these news articles, but this one hits close to home. All I am saying is remember this when approaching an intersection or even driving down a residential street. I am VERY glad to hear that everyone is doing ok, but I would hate to read later that something worse has happened to someone else.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I was there when the accident happened and I helped out with 911. the whole situation really bothers me. i am glad to know that the child and grandfather are doing better. I pray for their full recovery. (If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. The grandfather is a hero.)
Posted by: Pam on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:47 AM
You people who are upset that they were playing on the sidewalk, give me a break! The child was being supervised and played with right in front of his house. I guess nobody should walk or rides bikes on sidewalks??? This woman is the one to point the finger at, she obviously had a reason to run, one being she is a moron!
Posted by: Just the facts, mam Location: Wisconsin on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Stick to the facts please. Many people assume she was drunk, on drugs or using a cell phone at the time. Maybe, but I'd like to have the facts first. Blood level for alcohol & drugs, trace the cell phone history. Yes,her behavior was irresponsible. But, even if she has a history of using drugs and alcohol or talking on her phone while driving, it doesn't necessarily mean that she was drunk/using/talking at the time. These are facts which the police will be able to determine. Given the seriousness of the situation, it is essential to have all of the facts before making a judgment.
Posted by: CCAP Location: Madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:38 AM
CCAP shows she has an injunction against someone that lives nearby. She probably ran because she's not supposed to be where she was. She's also on a revoked license, most likely for unpaid fines. She should have checked into jail and sat out the fines, and that would have kept her out of this whole mess.
Posted by: jacob Location: madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:37 AM
The article says he was playing on the sidewalk, not front yard. My question is this, if this street is so dangerous, why was he not playing with his grandson in his BACKYARD. Jerk! This woman is no stranger to the court system as she has a record longer than my arm. She left the scene probably for that reason.
Posted by: MACD on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Alissa, obviously you didn't read my comment. Commenting on the irresponsible use of a cellphone is "having a life". Grandpa is a true hero, but he shouldn't have to be. My prayers go out to grandpa and grandson (And anyone else who is hurt by a motor vehicle). BTW, The people who act like idiots aren't the ones in this forum. They are those who think they can drive safely while using a cellphone or after they have been drinking.
Posted by: josh Location: madison on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:38 AM
alissa, this is a public forum and people have the right to voice their opinions (such as yourself). If you do not like what people have to say on here, stop reading and go back to your Cosmo!
Posted by: Koolaid Location: Verona on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:33 AM
All of a sudden we are not allowed to play in the front yard? Jerk!
Posted by: unannymous Location: wisconsin on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I wonder all the drugs this person was on- I know her and I bet she was drunk and on drugs....I feel so sorry for the grandfather and hope he pulls thru and the grandson.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Great place to play with a 2 year old. Find a park!
Posted by: Fear Factor Location: East Side on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Sometimes when someone gets hit you as the driver fear for your safety as well let the courts get the facts, unless you were there don't rush to judge... I pray for both families.
Posted by: Mickey on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Oh is this a prayer chain website now? I thought we were allowed to comment on the news.
Posted by: alissa Location: brooklyn on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Thank you, Sandy!! You are the only one here that has made a comment worth reading about. I just love how all of you use these forums to act like idiots!! Who cares if someone spelled "does" wrong? Really!!! My prayers also go out to the grandfather and the family. I hope you both recover well and I have you in my prayers. The rest of you...get a life!!
Posted by: smiley Location: home on Oct 6, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Hi everyone who commenting on what happened. I am a sister in law of the Grandfather. Please do not pass judgement on anyone in this accident unless you know the facts.NO ONE knows all the facts yet. Both the Grandfather and Grandson are doing better. Both are still in ICU at U.W Please pray for a speedy recovery. Thank-You for all good and bad comments.
Posted by: George Location: Verona on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:42 PM
I bet a box of donuts this is a DUI again. If so, in Dane County Fashion, she will get a small amount of jail time and some probation. I call that a "slap on the wrist."
Posted by: Jamie M. on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Putting on make-up?? Doesn't look like she got too far. This type of driving happens every day in Madison, nothing you, me, or the MPD can do about it. I hope the grandfather and kid are okay. I never did understand the concept of running from an accident and leaving your vehicle behind. Chalk up another one for Wisconsin DUI count.
Posted by: Patrick Location: Sun Prairie on Oct 6, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I pray that both of them recover. i also pray for the lady, she will need it for the upcoming thing in her life
Posted by: Sandy Location: M on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:25 PM
The grandfather is a TRUE hero for what he did. I will pray for his recovery.
Posted by: Common Sense Location: neighborhood on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Wow, the tragedy is how everyone has pre-judged the accident. Yes, the driver may be at fault, but Many people speed on Vondron/Ellen, there are often many cars parked on both streets at that corner, and tragic accidents do happen. The driver should not have run - I'm sure (drunk or not)that it is an overwhelming panic when you see that you have hit another person. Blaming everybody and anybody will not create a base to build some solutions on.
Posted by: East side Dad Location: south sieeeed on Oct 6, 2008 at 03:44 PM
All liberal pig drivers must be obliterated. If you think that this only happens to a small percentage of people, you would be correct. But it is the job of the MPD to do as I say, for I am in command of the "Dads against arbitrary driving" for the east side chapter of Dads who work.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 03:15 PM
People have to be responsible for their kids. Kids just can't go running in the street, nowdays. She was probably drunk. Why else would she flee the scene.
Posted by: jon Location: madison on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Rachel, try reading East side dads remarks! DUHHHH!!!!!! What the h**l does your living a 1/2 block away have anything to do with it?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:23 PM
raschel, nice job in making yourself look like an idiot. 1st of all, jon didn't make the ignorant comment, he was addressing the comment made by the "east side dad". You can't spell "does" and you're dumb enough to give out the exact location of you house on the internet ....who's the ingorant one now?
Posted by: MACD Location: DANE on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Why can't people pay more attention. She was probably on one of those damn cell phones. They should be outlawed when driving a motor vehicle. It's been proven that reaction time when on a cellphone is about the same as the reaction time when a person is over the limit drinking. If anything Madison needs to wake up to that fact. BTW, Question - How do signal, steer and talk on a cellphone with only two hands? Answer - You idiots don't signal.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Stupid comment. Things like this can happen at the blink of an eye in neighborhoods all over. Yes, she was wrong fleeing the scene--why people think this will work still bothers me-- but it's not like she was targeting the child with intentions of hitting them.
Posted by: raschel Location: corner of Vondron/Pebblebook 1 block away on Oct 6, 2008 at 12:05 PM
That last comment made by Jon,sounds rather ignorent,I live A 1/2 block away and have small children.First of all what the h**l dose MPD have to do with it?DUHHHH
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:18 AM
she was probably putting on make up and talking on her cell phone.
Posted by: jon Location: madison on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Is there anything that happens in Madison that is not the police's fault? Get real guy, that statement is totally out of line! How do you think the police could have prevented this from happening? Explain your unfounded remark! Blsming the police for everything is going over the edge. Maybe the grandparents should put up a fence in their yard if traffic is that bad.... DUH!!
Posted by: jennifer on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Do you expect the Police to be standing or sitting at every intersection?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:44 AM
how could the people possibly prevent this better than the police??????
Posted by: East side DAD Location: East side on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:24 AM
When is the MPD going to finally listen to us about the traffic problem and get things fixed. It is time for Chief Ray to step up or get out of the way and let us parents control the situation. We can do it, can the MPD?
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