The case against a Gillett man accused of causing a fatal hit-and-run that killed a retired Green Bay police officer will move forward after the defendant was found competent to stand trial Sept. 23.
Obilio Tomas Sargento Roblero, 33, is charged in Oconto County with one count of hit-and-run involving death. He was ruled incompetent to stand trial in March, but Oconto County Judge Michael Judge ruled Sept. 23 that Roblero has regained competency.
Competency refers to the defendant’s ability to understand court proceedings and participate in their own defense.
Just after 7 p.m. Oct. 25, 2024, Oconto sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported car versus ATV accident near Shawano Line Road and Nelson Road in Gillett, according to a criminal complaint.
Two witnesses told deputies that they had stopped after their utility task vehicle, or UTV, broke down and the driver of the ATV offered to tow them, the complaint said. After hooking up the tow strap, the driver got back inside his ATV and shortly after was hit by an SUV.
The driver of the ATV, 60-year-old Thomas Roberts, a retired Green Bay police officer, died at the scene despite lifesaving measures being attempted. According to the complaint, Roblero, who was driving the SUV, fled the scene on foot. He was arrested Oct. 28 in Arkansas.
Roblero returns to court Oct. 23 for his preliminary hearing.
Vivian Barrett is the public safety reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at vmbarrett@greenbay.gannett.com or (920) 431-8314.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Gillett man charged in hit-and-run that killed former Green Bay officer ruled competent, case moves forward
Reporting by Vivian Barrett, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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