Officer wakes sleeping driver
Brian A. Ewert, 31, Wild Rose, is charged with felony fleeing an officer.
He was also cited for a first drunken driving offense and operating without his headlights on after dark.
Shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, Waupaca Police Officer Daniel Wasrud found Ewert passed out in a car parked on the 100 block of East Badger Street.
Wasrud illuminated Ewert’s car with his squad car’s spotlight, knocked loudly on the window and shined a flashlight in Ewert’s face.
According to the criminal complaint, Ewert woke briefly, then closed his eyes.
Wasrud yelled that he was an officer and needed to speak with him.
Ewert then started the vehicle, drove over the curb and sidewalk, and began traveling on Jefferson Street, the complaint says.
Wasrud followed Ewert with his lights and siren activated.
Ewert reportedly continued onto Division Street, then Lake Street.
Ewert stopped after Waupaca County Sgt. Kevin Studzinski blocked him with his squad car on Berlin Street.
Wasrud reported that Ewert seemed confused, had slurred speech and a strong odor of intoxicants.
Ewert said he was unaware that Wasrud made contact with him on Badger Street, the complaint says.
Ewert was released from custody on a $2,000 signature bond.