A Racine County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Strategic Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday in the area of Douglas Avenue and Four Mile Road in the Village of Caledonia for suspicion of finding a driver operating with a revoked license. During the traffic stop the deputy observed a 10-year-old family member of the operator seated in the vehicle.
The deputy suspected the operator, a 38-year-old resident of Cudahy, to be under the influence of intoxicants. The deputy conducted standardized field sobriety test on the operator, which the driver failed. The operator voluntarily provided a preliminary breath test, which yielded a result of .14. That is nearly twice the legal limit.
The operator was taken into custody and has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated – third offense with a passenger less than 16 years of age. The crime is a felony in Wisconsin.
The 10-year-old was released to a family member and is safe, the Sheriff’s Department reported. During their investigation, deputies comforted the child during a time of distress and provided a care package. These care packages are kindly provided to our agency by the non-profit group, Faith, Hope, and Love as part of their Duffles for Kids program. The care packages contain a stuffed animal, a blanket, books, coloring materials, and other items.
“There’s absolutely no excuse for not utilizing a safe ride with the plethora of options available today,” said Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. “This dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in Racine County.
“My deputies and I will continue the hunt for those who insist on putting innocent lives at risk. We are deeply committed to keeping our community’s roadways safe. I’m extremely disappointed that this adult would put not only my deputy and this community at risk, but most importantly the life of an innocent child. I hope our judicial system makes a harsh example of him.”
The driver is being held at the Racine County Jail with a total bond of $5,250.