New Glarus Man Arrested for 6th Offense OWI

March 28, 2009
Contact: Lt. Alecia Rauch Lt. David Karls Phone: (608) 284-6155 FAX: (608) 284-6143
Sheriff's Office

Madison, WI. March 28, 2009 At approximately 8:30 p.m., Dane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of USH 14 and Miller Farm Road, in the Town of Black Earth, for a vehicle off the roadway and in a nearby field. As Deputies approached the vehicle, they observed a male running from the vehicle. Deputies pursued the male subject, who was discovered hiding in a marsh area. James J. Wirts, 50, of New Glarus was arrested for his 6th Offense of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. In Wisconsin, a 5th Offense of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated and greater are felonies. Wirts was also charged with Resisting Arrest, and issued citations for Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle, Operating After Suspension, and Failure to Maintain Control. A passenger in Wirt’s vehicle was also issued a citation for Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle and released.