WASHBURN COUNTY -- (DrydenWire.com) -- The Court has sentenced a Sarona, WI man on convictions from a December 2020 vehicle versus buggy crash.
On December 7th, 2020, the Washburn County Sheriff's Office responded to a vehicle versus horse and buggy crash on County Hwy M near Church Road in Washburn County. The horse and buggy was occupied by five children and was northbound on County Hwy M, when it was rear-ended by a pick-up truck. All five children were injured, and two of the children were hospitalized. The horse was put down at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Robert Dulian, of Sarona, WI, according to a criminal complaint filed in Washburn County Circuit Court. Dulian was taken into custody following the crash. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted at the scene of the crash including the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and a Warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Dulian stated that he had been drinking between noon and 3p and had consumed a “couple three beers”. Dulian told the Trooper that the buggy turned in front of him. The Trooper attempted to conduct field sobriety tests with Dulian, however, Dulian was unable to successfully complete the tests.
A preliminary breath test conducted with Dulian gave a result of .136. Dulian agreed to submit to an evidentiary chemical test of his blood and the Trooper transported Dulian to a medical facility. Results of the blood test were not included in the criminal complaint.
Four counts of Class F Felony Injury by intoxicated Use of Vehicle were filed against Dulian and online circuit court records show that a fifth count of Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense was later added.
The criminal complaint filed against Dulian states that injuries sustained by the children were broken bones including broken ribs, lacerations, head injuries, and one child was missing a large part of her finger.
Related: Plea Agreement Reached In Fatal Truck Vs Amish Buggy Crash
At a hearing on December 8, 2020, the Court placed Dulian on a $10,000 cash bond. A preliminary examination hearing was held in May 2021 and the Court found probable cause to bind the case over for trial. In October 2021 the Court accepted Dulian’s plea of Guilty to 5 charges filed against him, to include three amended charges of Misdemeanor Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle.
Dulian appeared most recently on January 19, 2022, for a sentencing hearing. The Court ordered an imposed and stayed prison sentence of 3 and ½ years for Dulian’s conviction of Class I Felony Reckless Driving-Cause Great Bodily Harm with 4 and ½ years of probation. Should Dulian’s probation be revoked he faces 1 and ½ years of initial confinement followed by 2 years of extended supervision.
Related: Prison Sentence Ordered In Double-Fatal Hit-And-Run Cold Case
The Court also ordered a sentence of 9 months confinement in county jail for one conviction of Misdemeanor Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle with credit for 2 days served. This is to be served consecutive to his first sentence on his conviction for Class I Felony Reckless Driving-Cause Great Bodily Harm.
The Court ordered Dulian to serve 2 years of probation for two more convictions of Misdemeanor Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle.
Related: Court Sentences Man For Convictions Stemming From Heroin Investigation
Dulian was also sentenced regarding his conviction of Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. He will have to pay nearly $1,000 in costs and fines for that conviction and his driving privileges will be revoked for a period of 8 months. Dulian will be required to undergo an Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment and install an Ignition Interlock Device in his vehicle.
The Court heard statements from Washburn County District Attorney Marcoux regarding restitution and the Court left the issue of restitution open for 60 days. According to online circuit court records, money paid towards bail for Dulian shall be applied to court costs and fines owed by Dulian.
Last Update: Jan 22, 2022 9:12 am CST
