Former police officer sentenced in death of Eau Claire man

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) – A former Superior police officer was sentenced today following a drunken driving incident that left an Eau Claire man and his baby dead in 2022.

According to court records, Gregory Swanson, 44, was sentenced on July 17 to five years in prison and five years probation on two counts of manslaughter by driving under the influence of alcohol. The sentences must be served concurrently.

Swanson pleaded guilty to these charges on April 23.

Additional charges of two counts of manslaughter using a vehicle with a PAC, two counts of hit and run causing death, two counts of causing personal injury by driving under the influence of alcohol, two counts of causing personal injury using a PAC value in excess of 0.15, and two counts of hit and run causing personal injury were dismissed but read.

The accident occurred in the early morning hours of July 15, 2022 near 52nd Avenue and Highway 53 in Superior, Wisconsin.

Michael Evans, 23, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was traveling with his family when their car ran out of gas. Evans was trying to push his vehicle when Swanson crashed into it.

Evans died at the scene of the accident. Evans’ two-month-old son succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Evans’ girlfriend and his other two-year-old son suffered serious injuries.

Swanson was off duty at the time and had a blood alcohol level of 0.15 per mille, which is almost twice the legal limit.

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