By Joe Bachman

A 32-year-old Wausau man faces his fifth OWI charge after crashing his vehicle on Highway 54.

According to police reports, on Sept. 29, an officer was dispatched to a one-vehicle crash in the area of Highway 54 in Wisconsin Rapids. After making contact with the defendant, identified as Nicholas Czaplinski, the officer immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Czaplinski allegedly admitted to drinking beforehand, and had been swaying back and forth while standing in place. Reports also indicated that the defendant’s speech was slurred.

After being placed into custody and taken to a nearby medical facility for a blood draw, Czaplinski measured a .354 blood alcohol level, which is well above the legal limit. Czaplinski has four prior convictions of operating while intoxicated in various Wisconsin counties.

If convicted, Czaplisnki faces up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29.