TRAFFIC CRASH LEADS TO OWI ARREST GRANT COUNTY WISCONSIN

On 02/03/2023 at approximately 01:58 AM, Grant County Deputies responded to the area of 7112 Highway 81 in the Township of Platteville for a report of a one-vehicle traffic crash. It was reported that a vehicle had tipped over and no one was seen inside. The initial reporter told dispatch that it appeared as though footprints led into a nearby cornfield.

Deputies arrived on the scene at 02:13 AM and located a white, 2001 Ford Focus registered to Hunter Ide age 23 of Franklin, Wisconsin on its side along the shoulder of the westbound lane of travel along Highway 81. At first, no one was located on the scene. However, footprints were observed walking into a nearby cornfield.

Bennett’s Automotive was requested for Ide’s vehicle. Shortly after Ide’s vehicle had been removed from the scene, a tow truck driver with Bennett’s Towing called in to report that a male subject was by the guardrail near the furniture store.

Deputies arrived on the scene and located Hunter Ide in the passenger seat of another vehicle that had stopped. Ide flagged down the vehicle and asked for a ride to Platteville. When deputies made contact with Ide they observed him to be covered in snow and exhibiting signs of impairment. Ide was placed in the back seat of a squad car due to the weather conditions and the amount of time that he had been in the elements. Deputies requested EMS while on the scene. Ide was later taken into custody for Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense and was transported by EMS to Southwest Health, treated and later released to a responsible party.

The scene was assisted by Bennett’s Automotive, Southwest Health EMS, and Southwest Health. This case remains under investigation at this time.

Individuals arrested and referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. An arrest only indicates probable cause exists to bring formal charges. The names of victims and witnesses to a crime have been withheld, per Wisconsin Statute §950.04.

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