Crime & Safety
Wisconsin Man Nets 8th Drunk Driving Charge
Police tracked the man down after he fled on foot and hid under a tarp, reports say.
From WI DOT: Tony Gordon Hetchler, 44 years of age, from River Falls, WI has been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol Eau Claire Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 8th offense. On January 9, 2019 at approximately 3:20 PM, a Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on Highway 35 in St. Croix County. The driver, identified as Tony Hetchler, exited Highway 35, failed to stop for a stop sign on Old 35 Road, then parked his vehicle behind a residence on High Ridge Drive. Mr. Hetchler then fled on foot. St. Croix County Sheriff’s K-9 responded and assisted with tracking, locating, and apprehending him inside a tarped carport behind a residence on Lundy Lane. Officers from the Hudson Police Department and New Richmond Police Department also assisted.
A subsequent investigation showed that Mr. Hetchler was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Hetchler was arrested and transported to the local hospital for an
evidentiary test of his blood. In addition to being charged with the OWI offense, Mr. Hetchler is being charged with fleeing an officer and was cited for speeding and for failure to stop at a stop sign. "Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is
presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."
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