On 05/15/22 around midnight, an officer observed a crash at Center Avenue and W. Court St. A motorcycle traveling northbound on Center Avenue struck a median at the intersection. Witnesses report the motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. The operator of the motorcycle was ejected and the motorcycle slid into the intersection. The officer immediately began rendering aid to the operator while requesting medical attention. During the contact, the officer noted a strong odor of intoxicants from the operator. Officers assisted at the scene providing traffic control and conducted a crash investigation. The scene has since been cleared.
The operator was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. While the operator was receiving medical treatment, the officer continued their OWI investigation. The operator refused to submit to some standardized field sobriety tests and was unable to complete others, due to injuries suffered in the crash. The operator was identified as Frank V. Thomas III and was arrested for OWI-5th offense.
A check of Thomas’ driving record showed 4 prior alcohol-related offenses and a 0.02 BAC restriction. Thomas refused to provide a sample of his blood for evidentiary testing. A search warrant was applied for and granted to obtain a sample of Thomas’ blood for evidentiary testing. The results of that test are pending. Thomas remains at a medical facility receiving treatment. Thomas has two open court cases for OWI and is prohibited from possession or consumption of alcohol.
Arrested:
Frank V. Thomas III 50 years old Verona, WI
Charges:
OWI-5th offense
Operating after Revocation-Due to alcohol
IID Tampering/Fail to Install/Violate Court Order
Bail jumping
Incident Number: JV2222841
Location: Center Avenue/W. Court St.
By: Lt. Joshua Norem #2245
Date: 05/15/22
Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
