By Joe Bachman

A 45-year-old Portage man has been charged with his ninth offense of operating while intoxicated.

According to police reports, on Aug. 30, at 11:31 a.m., an officer was dispatched to State Highway 80 in the town of Richfield in response to reports of a silver pickup truck in a ditch. An officer made contact with a man identified as Craig Trickle, who was observed to have bloodshot eyes, and very slow and deliberate movements.

Trickle was incoherent, and was reported to have fallen asleep while speaking to officers. Trickle denied taking any drugs and told police that he was traveling from Wausau. After a short time, the officer smelled intoxicants coming from the vehicle.

Police would find that his Arkansas drivers license was valid, but was currently revoked due to previous OWI’s. Trickle had a .02 blood alcohol level ignition interlock restriction in Wisconsin.

Trickle was ordered out of the vehicle for a field sobriety test, but had to be escorted out of the ditch to the road by two officers. Trickle was extremely unstable, and barely able to stand. After being asked to cooperate with the field sobriety test, Trickle allegedly shrugged his shoulders in response.

Police placed Trickle into custody soon after. After a search of the vehicle, an open bottle of whiskey was discovered in the front seat, and no ignition interlock was installed, even though Trickle was legally required to do so.

If convicted, Trickle faces up to ten years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.