Charges pending for four-crash driver

APPLETON - An Appleton man is in critical condition after the Wisconsin State Patrol says he was the driver that caused four crashes Sunday.

Sgt. Dave Catalano says it started when Kiriko Masasi, 23, crossed the median in his 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII while making a right turn at Lynndale Drive onto Northland Avenue. Authorities say he struck the guardrail on the opposite side of the road, but continued driving. He then rear-ended two cars at Bennett Street and continued down Northland.

Investigators say Masasi plowed down a traffic light next. Masasi then smashed into three cars head on, and finally came to a stop. Authorities don't have the results of a toxicology test yet, but do believe alcohol played a role in the crashes.

"At this time there is a criminal charge pending: operating under the influence (and) causing great bodily harm," Catalano said.

Rolf Soderling's car was hit head-on, and he said all he saw was the traffic light coming down and then heard screeching tires.

Catalano said Masasi was in "very critical" condition and another driver that was hit head on, Holly Jerrett of Appleton, had serious injuries.

"We always expect the worst when we see those and sadly I've seen it too many times," said Catalano.