WASHBURN COUNTY — An OWI arrest followed a two-vehicle crash near Shell Lake, according to an initial release from the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Crash Information - Initial Release
- Roadway: CTH B
- Location: SAWYER CREEK ROAD
- County: WASHBURN
At 3:39 PM on Thursday April 09, 2026 a crash occurred on CTH B at Sawyer Creek Road in WASHBURN County near SHELL LAKE.
Assisting agencies included Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, Shell Lake Police Department, Jock’s Towing, and American Towing.
The crash involved 1 injury. Vehicle and occupant information, if available, is on the last page(s).
The details of the crash are as follows:
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 3:39 PM the Wisconsin State Patrol, Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, and Shell Lake Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on CTH B at Sawyer Creek Road. The initial investigation indicates a 2015 Jeep Wrangler failed to yield and was struck by a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Trooper observed signs of impairment in the driver of the Jeep Wrangler. A subsequent investigation, including standardized field sobriety test, showed 61-year-old Patrick John Powers from Shell Lake, Wisconsin was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. Mr. Powers was arrested and transported to the Shell Lake Hospital for an evidentiary test of his blood and then to the Washburn County Jail.
The crash and OWI remain under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
PARTIES INVOLVED
Unit 1: Van/SUV (2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited)
- Driver: Powers, Patrick John
- 61 Year Old Male From Shell Lake, WI
- Injuries: Non-Life Threatening
- Transported To: Washburn County Jail
- Seatbelt Use: No
- Alcohol Use: No
- Enforcement Action: Yes
Unit 2: Van/SUV (2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee)
- Driver: Schmid, Cholena Marie
- 42 Year Old Female From Shell Lake, WI
- Injuries: None
- Alcohol Use: No
Last Update: Apr 16, 2026 9:34 am CDT
