VIROQUA, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports that criminal charges have
been filed as the result of an ongoing investigation into an early to mid-February 2025 two-
vehicle crash in rural Viroqua that resulted in very serious injuries to Kickapoo School’s District Administrator Kimberly Johnson.
Our previous story about that crash can be read here.
According to the Sheriff Office report on Monday, Feb, 10, just after 7 a.m., 21-year-old Robert Brand, of Hillsboro, Wis. was traveling west on Pierce Hill Road and attempted to pass two vehicles while approaching a knoll. The operator of the other vehicle, Kickapoo School’s District Administrator Kimberly Johnson, 55, of Viroqua was traveling east coming over the knoll and was unable to avoid the pickup truck in her lane. The vehicles struck nearly head on and came to rest in the front yard of a private residence.
The report goes on to say Johnson was wearing her seatbelt and had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Viroqua Fire Department. She was then flown by Gundersen Air to Emplify/Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, Wis. with serious injuries. Brand also suffered injuries as a result of the accident.
Vernon County District Attorney Angela
Palmer-Fisher filed four criminal charges, all felonies, with the Office of Vernon County
Clerk of Circuit Court Sheila Olson on July 11, 2025.
Brand, 22, (21 at the time of the incident) of Hillsboro, Wis. has now been
charged with first degree reckless injury, reckless driving causing great bodily harm
and two counts of second degree recklessly endangering safety.
The Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder that a charge is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until proven guilty.
Brand made his first appearance in Vernon County Circuit Court on August 5. He is due
back in court on September 2 at 9:00 a.m.
“I would like to thank the injured victim in this case for their patience and understanding
throughout this investigation that is taking a great amount of time,” said Sheriff Torgerson. “All first responders are to be commended for successfully affecting the extensive rescue and flawless transfer to our dedicated medical staff. I would also like to thank the community for your countless prayers.”
The investigation continues. If you have any information about these crimes or any other
crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 608-637-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at
www.p3tips.com
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