Police Say Driver Was Drunk, Texting Before Crash

A South Milwaukee man has been charged in connection with a May 19 car-motorcycle accident in which police say he was drunk and texting behind the wheel. 

David Gompper, 25, was charged Friday with misdemeanor counts of causing injury while operating under the influence and causing injury while operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, according to online court records.

Police say Gompper was northbound on 13th Street and slowing for a stoplight at Rawson Avenue when he rear-ended a motorcycle just after midnight May 19. The motorcyclist fell from the bike and struck his head on the pavement.

Gompper told police he was texting on his phone and looked up and saw the motorcycle, but wasn’t able to stop before hitting it, according to the criminal complaint. 

The motorcyclist sustained a head injury that required staples and stitches. He was also treated for a concussion and has been undergoing back, neck and knee therapy, according to court documents. 

Gompper failed field sobriety tests and admitted to consuming four beers before getting behind the wheel. His blood alcohol content was 0.10, according to the complaint.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in county jail and $4,000 in fines. 

Gompper is due in court Aug. 12 for an initial appearance, according to online court records.