Police promote safe-ride programs in light of OWI arrests
A recent spate of impaired driving has Reedsburg law enforcement encouraging the public to be safer on the road.
Bar Buddies, in particular, is a local effort to provide safe rides to those who are intoxicated or plan to imbibe. For more information, call 608-495-9202. Many bars also have information about the organization.
Consumers can also call for cabs or arrange designated drivers in advance.
With the holidays underway, more people are apt to consume alcoholic beverages. These individuals are encouraged to avoid operating a vehicle. Family members, friends and acquaintances can also help by taking away keys, offering to provide rides or even notifying police if they see an impaired person driving. Be sure to give a detailed description of the vehicle, location and behavior and give a license plate if you’re able to see it.
During the weekend of Nov. 20 alone, Reedsburg Police responded to multiple incidents involving intoxicated driving.
Just before 2 a.m. Nov. 20, officers stopped Erick Navarro, 23, of Reedsburg, near the intersection of East Main Street and Wengel Drive. According to the Reedsburg Police Department, Navarro was arrested for operating while intoxicated-first offense and possession of THC. He was also cited for operating without a valid driver’s license.
Shortly before 3 a.m. Nov. 21, police stopped Keith E. Johnson, 33, of Reedsburg, near the intersection of Railroad Street and South Locust Street. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated-first offense and cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, according to the Reedsburg Police Department.
Just after 6:20 p.m. Nov. 21, officers stopped Micah B. Grigsby, 39, of La Valle, in the 100 block of South Albert Avenue. According to the Reedsburg Police Department, Grigsby was arrested for operating while intoxicated-first offense with a passenger under the age of 16. The passenger, who was a minor, was released to a responsible person.
At 4:15 a.m. Nov. 22, police pulled over Joshua L. Thering, 38, of Plain, near the intersection of East Main Street and South Dewey Avenue. Thering was arrested for operating while intoxicated-second offense, according to the Reedsburg Police Department.
