Milwaukee police officer who died following crash in Oak Creek was intoxicated, officials say

Toxicology outcomes say Milwaukee Police Officer James J. Nowak was intoxicated when he was concerned in a crash with a semitruck in Oak Creek that finally took his life.

Nowak’s blood alcohol content material was 0.241%, in keeping with a Jan. 4 assertion from Karen Domagalski, operations supervisor on the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Workplace. The authorized restrict is 0.08%.

Domagalski added, “the trigger and method of demise is pending.”

Nowak, 30, was concerned in a crash with a semitruck on Dec. 3 within the 6600 block of South Pennsylvania Avenue in Oak Creek. Authorities confirmed the truck was doing a U-turn when the crash occurred.

Nowak’s father-in-law, Dennis Bratel, owns a tavern in Milwaukee and instructed the Journal Sentinel Nowak was there watching a Inexperienced Bay Packers sport previous to the crash.

The motive force and passenger of the semitruck weren’t injured and remained on scene, police stated.

Nowak succumbed to his accidents on Dec. 7.

Metropolis information state Nowak joined the Milwaukee Police Division in 2011. He was partnered with Officer Peter Jerving, who was shot and killed in February 2023 trying to apprehend a suspect in Milwaukee.

A GoFundMe for Nowak’s household to assist cowl last bills has raised practically $75,000 with near 1,000 donations. The fundraiser stated, “Jimmy was a loving husband, son, brother, brother in-law, grandson, nephew, and uncle.”

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Fb web page, The Redheadliner, and comply with him on X @Redheadliner.

This text initially appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Report says police officer who died following crash was intoxicated