By Joe Bachman

A 50-year-old man has been charged with his fourth OWI after police found him under the influence of intoxicants while driving.

Marti Murray, of Nekoosa, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, his fourth offense.

According to police reports, on Mar. 27, at 10:55 p.m. an officer initiated a traffic stop on Prospect Ave. near 15th St. in the City of Nekoosa, due to the vehicle having a defective headlamp. The driver was identified as Marti Murray.

The officer reported smelling a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle, and when asked if he had anything to drink, Murray stated that he drank prior to 8:00 p.m. A field sobriety test given to Murray led the officer to believe that he was intoxicated. A blood test would later reveal a blood alcohol level of .098.

Murray has had three prior violations of operating while intoxicated since Jan. 1, 1989.

If convicted, Murray faces up to one year imprisonment and up to $2,000 in fines. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for Jun. 10. Murray is currently out on a $2,500 bond.