An autopsy showed Jennings hadn’t been drinking or using drugs, La Crosse County Medical Examiner John Steers said.

A witness westbound in front of his car told state troopers she saw the squad car’s lights but did not hear a siren before crossing the intersection on a green light, according to the complaint.

“(The witness) stated that after she crossed through the intersection she looked back and saw sparks flying,” the complaint states. “(She) stated that she had never seen a car go as fast as the squad car was going.”

The squad’s right front corner struck the left front fender of Jennings’ vehicle. The squad crossed the median, struck a traffic light and crossed the southbound lanes after the impact, according to the complaint. Jennings’ car ended up in the northbound lane of Hwy. 35.

State law allows officers to speed through red stoplights to emergencies with lights and sirens activated only after slowing down. Sheriff’s department policy also directs deputies to travel at speeds that allow them to stop or yield to vehicles that have the right of way when approaching a red light.

Stratman was speeding to assist a Holmen police officer at Smokey’s Bar handling a fight that involved 30 to 40 people. Two people later were charged in the fight.