A Sturtevant man could spend the next decade in prison after he was charged with his sixth OWI for allegedly causing a multi-car accident while driving under the influence.
Jonathan Knutson, 41, was charged Wednesday in Racine County Circuit Court with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) as a 5th or 6th offense. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines.
Criminal complaint: 6th OWI
According to the criminal complaint, three cars were stopped Tuesday for a red light at the intersection of Northwestern Avenue and Newman Road when a fourth car hit the back of the third car, causing a chain-reaction accident. Knutson failed field sobriety tests and his BAC breathalyzer came back as .166, a little more than twice the legal limit. He also agreed to an evidentiary blood draw, the results of which were not available for his initial appearance.
Knutson was given a $1,000 cash bond and a $5,000 signature bond and ordered not to possess or consume alcohol and not to drive at all. He will next be in court on July 7 for his preliminary hearing.
Stay up to date with emergency, crime and police encounters. The Racine County Eye and Kenosha Lens is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today and never miss a beat. Visit our Police & Fire section to read more.
Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens, and Twitter to make sure you get the latest news.