ST. CROIX COUNTY (DrydenWire) – A Menomonie, WI, man has been sentenced following a high-stakes incident on I-94 in December 2023 that led to his fifth OWI charge. David Joseph Andrle, 40, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of a crash, prompting a foot chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
DrydenWire previously published the following press release from the Wisconsin State Patrol:
PRESS RELEASE
39-year-old David Joseph Andrle of Menomonie, Wisconsin, found himself in custody after a crash near mile marker 26 on I94 in St. Croix County led to a foot chase and subsequent arrest by the Wisconsin State Patrol Eau Claire Post.
The incident unfolded around 12:30p when Wisconsin State Troopers responded to a crash report near mile marker 26 westbound on I94. Upon their arrival, it was revealed that two individuals, both clad in all-black attire and carrying backpacks, were fleeing on foot across the interstate. Responding units were quick to coordinate and were informed that the suspects had been detained by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department on 50th Ave south of the crash site.
Upon further investigation, the passenger was released, but the driver, identified as David Joseph Andrle, was taken into custody. Andrle now faces charges for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, marking his fifth offense. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. Citations were issued for failure to notify the police of an accident and operating after revocation.
The collaboration between law enforcement agencies was crucial in bringing the situation under control. The Wisconsin State Patrol received assistance from the Woodville Police Department, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department, and Baldwin EMS during the apprehension.
Further complicating Andrle's situation, he was found to have an outstanding felony warrant, adding to the gravity of his legal troubles. The Wisconsin State Patrol is expected to provide more details as the investigation progresses.
David Joseph Andrle is currently in custody, awaiting legal proceedings that will determine the consequences of his alleged actions.
Andrle was charged in St. Croix County Circuit Court with Class G Felony Operate While Intoxicated 5th Offense; Class G Felony Operate With Restricted Controlled Substance 5th Offense; Misdemeanor Operate While Revoked; Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Misdemeanor Resisting or Obstructing an Officer.
Andrle appeared most recently on April 17, 2025, regarding the charges filed against him. The Hon. Judge Edward Vlack accepted Andrle’s plea of No Contest to his charge of Class G Felony Operate With Restricted Controlled Substance 5th Offense. Andrle also pleaded Guilty to a charge of Class H Felony Battery by Prisoners filed against him in a separate St. Croix County Court case.
Andrle was convicted in August 2024 on non-criminal citations that he received from this incident: Refuse to Take Test for Intoxication After Arrest; Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance; Failure to Keep Vehicle Under Control; Failure of Occupant to Notify Police of Accident; and Non-Registration of Vehicle - Auto <10,000 lbs.
UPDATE
Judge Vlack ordered Andrle to serve concurrent sentences on his convictions. He will serve 2 years of confinement, followed by 2 years of supervision.
Conditions of his sentence will include a requirement for Andrle to pay over $2,000.00 in costs, fees, and assessments. He will be required to undergo an alcohol and other drug assessment and comply with follow-through.
Under his sentence conditions, Andrle also must maintain absolute sobriety and cooperate with any other evaluation, assessment, or program as requested.
Last Update: Apr 21, 2025 10:34 am CDT
