Wisconsin Teen Driver Charged with Homicide After Rollover Crash Kills 15-Year-Old Friend — Released on $50K Signature Bond Despite THC Allegations
TOWN OF BRADFORD, WISCONSIN — A 17-year-old driver from Beloit has been charged with multiple felonies, including homicide by negligent use of a vehicle, after a violent rollover crash killed a 15-year-old boy and left three other teenagers injured earlier this week in Rock County.
According to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash around 3:50 p.m. Tuesday near South Emerald Grove Road and East Larsen Road. Investigators say the driver, identified as Carter R. Perteete, lost control of a Volkswagen Rabbit while speeding northbound on Emerald Grove Road. The car veered off the road, struck a ditch, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest in a nearby cornfield.
Fatal Crash and Victim Details
The impact was catastrophic. A 15-year-old passenger, who was ejected from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other teens sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to the criminal complaint, the car’s engine was found dislodged and on fire in the field when first responders arrived. One surviving passenger told investigators, “He (Perteete) was driving way too fast and we rolled.” She said the 15-year-old victim tried to shield her during the crash, throwing his body across hers just before impact.
Neither of them was wearing a seatbelt, authorities said. The girl suffered a broken pelvis and collarbone, while other passengers sustained spinal fractures and a concussion.
THC Vapes and Speeding Allegations
Deputies discovered THC vape pens inside the vehicle, and multiple passengers reportedly admitted to using them earlier in the day. Perteete also told investigators he had smoked THC earlier but denied using it while driving.
He estimated his speed at the time of the crash to be between 60 and 65 mph — well above the posted 45 mph limit. Investigators are still awaiting blood test results.
Officials said the teens had left school early that morning due to testing. Two of them watched a movie before getting into the car with Perteete, which later led to the deadly crash.
Court Appearance and Bond Conditions
Perteete appeared in Rock County Court on Thursday, where he was formally charged with:
- Homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle
- Two counts of reckless driving causing great bodily harm
- One count of reckless driving causing injury
Despite the severity of the charges, Judge released Perteete on a $50,000 signature bond, meaning he did not have to post cash bail. Under the bond conditions, he must not drive any motor vehicle, maintain absolute sobriety, and have no contact with the victim’s family or the surviving passengers.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities await toxicology reports to determine whether impairment played a role in the crash.
Community Reaction
The fatal crash has shaken the Town of Bradford community, with local residents and school officials expressing deep grief for the loss of the 15-year-old student. Friends and classmates have begun leaving flowers and notes at a makeshift memorial near the crash site.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of how one reckless decision can change multiple lives forever,” one neighbor said.
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