POLK COUNTY -- Charges of 5th Offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) have been filed in Polk County Circuit Court against Erick Bloom, of Balsam Lake, WI following a single-vehicle crash that occurred on November 30, 2019 near Highway 46 and 134th Avenue.
A Warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and a Deputy for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of the crash. Bloom was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. When Bloom exited the vehicle, he was stumbling and his speech was slurred, according to a probable cause report from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Law Enforcement on the scene also noticed an odor of alcohol coming from Bloom.
Bloom stated that he had been traveling home and swerved to avoid a deer, which resulted in the crash. He also said that he had consumed several beverages containing brandy prior to the crash.
Field sobriety tests were attempted, however, Bloom was unable to successfully complete the tests. Bloom was taken into custody, and transported to the Polk County Jail where a breath test was completed. The results of that test indicated that Bloom had a breath alcohol concentration of .21.
Online circuit court records show that a criminal complaint was filed in Polk County Circuit Court on December 2, 2019 charging Bloom with 5th Offense OWI. At a hearing oon December 2, 2019, Bloom was placed on a $1,500 cash bail bond, conditions of which require him to maintain absolute sobriety.
Bloom is scheduled to appear again later in December 2019 regarding his charges.
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: Dec 06, 2019 7:43 am CST
