POLK COUNTY -- A vehicle crash on August 17, 2017, in Polk County has resulted in one man being charged with 6th Offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and Possession of Methamphetamine, among other criminal charges.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office along with Luck Police Department and St. Croix Falls Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle crash on August 17, 2017, on State Highway 35. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Frederic, WI man, Jeremy Carlson.
Carlson reportedly told officers that his vehicle went into the ditch because he fell asleep. The Polk County Sheriff's Office probable cause report about the incident states that when officers arrived on scene the vehicle was in the ditch, up against a tree with the motor was running and in gear; and Carlson was passed out in the driver's seat. Carlson reportedly later fled from officers at the scene despite being told to stop.
Carlson was transported from the scene of the crash to the St. Croix Medical Center for medical care.
Officers at the scene observed an open container in the center console of the vehicle which contained some type of alcoholic drink. When Carlson was later questioned about how much alcohol he had consumed, he reportedly told officers, “Not enough.”, and “I wish I had had more.”
At the hospital, Carlson allegedly told officers that he had been driving because he felt safe to drive and that he had consumed four alcoholic drinks. Carlson reportedly attempted to complete sobriety testing but was not able to successfully do so. The result of a preliminary sample of his breath was 0.14.
The probable cause report goes on to state that Carlson became disorderly at the hospital yelling profanities and threats towards law enforcement. Carlson allegedly kept saying that he would punch a deputy in the face so that there would be a legitimate reason for him to go to prison. One officer ultimately had to draw his Taser because Carlson would not stop threatening to fight with law enforcement.
When Carlson refused to voluntarily give a sample of his blood for testing, officers completed a blood draw search warrant which was granted by a judge a short time later. The results of that test are not known to DrydenWire.com at this time.
Officers searched Carlson prior to transporting him from the St. Croix Medical Center to the Polk County Jail. During the search, a clear gem bag containing 0.9 gram of methamphetamine was found along with a clear bag containing 2.1 gram of marijuana and a homemade pipe made from brass fittings and a black rubber hose.
While in the squad car which transported him to the Polk County Jail, Carlson repeatedly banged his head against the barrier and kicked at the barrier even though he was told multiple times to stop.
According to the probable cause report, Carlson has previously been convicted of OWI five times (1998, 2002, 2008, 2013, 2015.)
Public record shows that a criminal complaint has been filed in Polk County Circuit Court against Carlson charging him with the following:
- Class G Felony OWI 6th
- Class H Felony Battery or Threat to a Law Enforcement Officer
- Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
- Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
- Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor Resisting or Obstructing
Carlson appeared in Polk County Circuit Court on August 18, 2017, regarding his charges and was placed on a $10,000 cash bond. He remains in the custody of the Polk County Jail at the time of this post.
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.
Last Update: Aug 22, 2017 2:07 pm CDT
