A car accident, a house on fire and a man arrested. Still, neighbors on S. Memorial Drive in Racine weren’t surprised by the news.

Joellyn Rose lives across the street from where the incident happened, and she told TMJ4’s Tahleel Mohieldin that Thursday night wasn’t the first time reckless driving has damaged the neighborhood.

“It’s bound to happen,” Rose said. “It’s a shame to see accidents all the time. People are just going too fast on this road.”

Rose and other neighbors in the area said they’ve seen too many properties, street signs and other cars get hit when drivers ignore stop signs, lack of turn signals or speed across the block of houses.

In fact, neighbor Linda Jaskulske said the house that caught fire Thursday after a car crashed into it, on S. Memorial near 16th Street, had already been hit at least twice.

Watch: Racine neighbors say car crash and house fire were ‘inevitable’

Racine neighbors say car crash and house fire were ‘inevitable’

“I can’t leave my grandchildren — we don’t let them play in the front yard very often,” Jaskulske said. “If someone comes too fast and loses control of their car, they are vulnerable.”

Data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation shows more than two dozen crashes reported in the area since 2021 and Rose fears Thursday’s crash won’t be the last.

“We called the police, and they say they are short-staffed. That there’s nothing they can do,” Rose said. “We called the alderman, never answer.”

TMJ4 News reached out to the area alderman and Racine police to learn more about what steps are being taken to address these concerns.

In the meantime, neighbors like Rose are taking their own precautions. Some are even considering a change of address.

“I don’t go down to Memorial at all,” Rose said. “I’m going to take the long way to Washington.”

Racine police arrested the 31-year-old driver involved in Thursday evening’s incident for recklessly endangering safety.

The home on Memorial Dr. was vacant, so no one else was injured in this incident. RPD said speed was a factor in the crash.

Any witnesses or citizens with information are asked to call the Racine Police Department Investigation Unit at (262) 635-7756.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330 or through the Crime Stoppers app using P3 tips.

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