By Joe Bachman

A 41-year-old man faces charges of his fifth OWI after police say he crashed into a utility pole while intoxicated.

David Goehring, of Wisconsin Rapids, is charged with his fifth offense of operating while intoxicated. According to police reports, on Jan. 13, 2016, an officer was dispatched to an accident near the 2400 block of 24th Ave. South.

The officer observed a pickup truck with wires and a utility pole on top of the truck. According to a witness, Goehring was traveling too fast and failed to account for a slight curve in the road and struck the pole.

Reports state that the officer spoke to Goehring shortly after and noticed that his speech was slurred and his eyes were glassy. Goehring was unable to stand up without leaning on the truck for assistance.

The officer noted a strong smell of intoxicants coming from the vehicle. Goehring admitted having a couple of drinks downtown, but allegedly refused to take a field sobriety test. Gohering was placed into custody and taken to Riverview hospital where tests concluded that his blood alochol level was .278, well over the legal limit.

Gohering has four previous convictions of operating while intoxicated since Jan. 1, 1989. If convicted, he faces up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. His initial appearance in court is scheduled for Mar. 17.