01/18/23 UPDATE from Public Works:  As of 2pm today 01/18/23, work on the traffic lights at University Avenue & Branch Street is complete & the lights are functioning normally.  Thanks again for your patience and understanding. 

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01/17/23 UPDATE from Public Works:  The traffic lights at University Avenue & Branch Street may be flashing red periodically today as work is done to install new equipment; however, power will not be fully restored today as they are waiting on parts.  This intersection will remain a four-way stop until power is fully restored, which they are hoping is before the next snow on Wednesday night/Thursday morning.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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Incident:     Operating While Intoxicated/Traffic Alert 
Date:           January 10, 2023 
Location:     Branch Street at University Avenue
Incident:     MI23000420

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at approximately 1:51 AM, a Middleton officer on patrol located a vehicle crash near the intersection of University Avenue and Mendota Avenue. They also witnessed a subject running nearby, northbound on Branch Street. Another responding officer located this subject and identified him as the driver of the crashed vehicle. He was later identified as 21 year old Isaiah P. Goplin of New Glarus.

Preliminary investigation showed that Goplin was eastbound on University Avenue at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate the curve in the road at the intersection with Branch Street.  The vehicle left the roadway and struck the traffic light control box, several trees, and the building at 6630 University Avenue.  Goplin showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for second offense Operating While Intoxicated and was also cited for several traffic violations.  A blood sample was obtained and Goplin was released to a responsible party.

The damage to the traffic light control box has rendered the lights inoperable.  Due to ongoing supply chain issues, the Middleton Police Department has been advised that the control box will likely be out of service for an extended period of time.  While the lights are out, stop signs have placed to make this a 4-way stop.  It is suggested that you avoid this intersection, if possible. 

If you have any information, or were witness to this incident, please contact the Middleton Police Department at 608-824-7300, Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014, or on the web at P3TIPS.COM.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous.

Captain Jeremy Geiszler
Middleton Police Department
608-824-7300

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.