Traffic Crash - OWI 7

On Saturday, September 3, 2022 at approximately 11:00 PM, a Deputy from the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of USH 12 and Old Highway 33 for a suspicious activity complaint and a driving complaint.  The reporting party advised Sauk County Dispatch that he jumped into the bed of a truck that was trying to steal a camper.  The truck and camper were pulled over in the Village of West Baraboo.  The Deputy contacted the operator of the truck and identified the operator as Merritt Parks, age 66, of Baraboo.    

While speaking with Parks, the Deputy observed signs of impairment. Parks was asked to perform field sobriety tests. As a result of those tests, Parks was placed under arrest for Operating While Intoxicated 7^th Offense.  During the investigation the Deputy also determined that Parks was involved in a traffic crash with a vehicle and a pedestrian at N. Reedsburg Rd. and USH 12 and fled the scene.  No injuries were reported as a result of the traffic crash with the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained minor injuries.    

Charges of Operating While Intoxicated 7^th Offense, Reckless Endangering Safety 2^nd Degree, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Bail Jumping, Operating While Revoked, Hit and Run Cause Injury, and numerous traffic / equipment violations, are being referred to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff