BARRON COUNTY — Anthony James Schaffner, 33 years of age, from Sarona has been arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol Spooner Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 1st offense, with one child in the vehicle under the age of 16, according to a press release from the Wisconsin State Patrol.
On Sunday, August 6, 2023, at approximately 3:52p, the Wisconsin State Patrol and Barron County Sheriffs Office responded to a three-vehicle crash on US 8 at County M.
The initial investigation indicates a Kia Optima was westbound on US 8 waiting to make a left-hand turn onto County M when it was rear-ended by a Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado lost its passenger side tire which struck a Mazda turning onto County M from US 8 eastbound.
The Trooper observed signs of impairment in the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado. The driver, Anthony James Schaffner from Sarona, Wisconsin refused standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant 1st offense with a minor passenger. Mr. Schaffner was transported to a local hospital for an evidentiary test of his blood and then to the Barron County Jail. The child, age 3, was released to an adult family member.
The OWI and crash remain under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Aug 07, 2023 8:11 am CDT
