Little Rice man charged in hit-and-run case

RHINELANDER – A 59-year-old Little Rice man made his initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court on Friday, May 1, facing felony charges stemming from an incident in which a woman was allegedly pinned between two vehicles and suffered severe injuries – with her young grandchild ultimately coming to her aid.

Robert Richard Cookson faces two Class E felonies – hit and run involving great bodily harm and aggravated battery with intent to cause great bodily harm – as well as a Class A misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon.

According to statements made by Oneida County District Attorney Jillian Pfeifer during the bail hearing, Cookson allegedly drove his vehicle directly toward the victim as she stood next to her car, pinning her between the two vehicles and continuing to drive parallel alongside her. The woman sustained five broken bones, including a shattered pelvis, Pfeifer said.

Cookson then left the scene.

The woman's young grandchild, who was in her vehicle at the time, unbuckled himself, retrieved her cell phone and was able to help her call 911. Due to the location of the incident, the intersection of Kelly Fire Ln. and Rozell Rd. in the Town of Little Rice, it took approximately half an hour for an ambulance to arrive.

Law enforcement eventually located Cookson, but Pfeifer said he was uncooperative and had to be taken into custody during what was described as a felony stop.

At the initial appearance, the state requested a $100,000.00 cash bond, citing the severity of the alleged offense, Cookson's failure to remain at the scene and his lack of cooperation with law enforcement. Judge Michael Schiek agreed, setting bond at $100,000.00 cash.

Cookson was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or her property, maintain absolute sobriety, possess no firearms or intoxicants, refrain from operating a motor vehicle and remain in the state of Wisconsin without prior court approval.

Cookson briefly addressed the court on the issue of bond, telling the judge he does not have significant financial resources but that he intends to appear at all future court dates.

"I do want to be heard about this when the time comes," he said.

An adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for Monday, May 18.

Cookson faces up to 20 years incarceration if convicted of both felonies.