STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A man has been arrested for causing a multi-vehicle crash on Friday night on I-39.
Joshua Cisewski, age 37 of Stevens Point has been arrested on four charges, his 3rd OWI charge, an OWI causing great bodily harm, causing injury, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and bail jumping, along with four outstanding warrants.
A news release from the Portage County Office of the Sheriff details that Cisewski was headed southbound on I-39 near County Highway HH where he lost control of the vehicle and crossed the median. The car flipped onto its roof and rested in the northbound lanes of I-39. Cisewski fled the scene soon after.
During the incident, a chain reaction crash occurred in the southbound lanes of I-39 involving 7 vehicles as a driver slowed down to observe the crash. Other motorists didn’t slow down in time, causing the chain reaction crashes. Several injuries came from the crashes to 14 people including one person who was flown to Aspirus Hospital Wausau for non-life threatening injuries.
Portage County Sheriff’s officers arrived at the scene at 6:07 PM and found several empty vodka bottles in the car. Officers began to search for Cisewski soon after. At 9:15 pm an AIG Insurance security guard reported a man hiding on the property who was intoxicated and injured.
Officers arrested Cisewski when arriving at AIG Insurance and took him into custody. He appeared in court on Monday, where it was ordered he be held on a $20,000 cash bond. Cisewski is due back in court on December 17th.
The incident remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office also urges motorists to pay attention to the roadway in front of them when passing emergency scenes.
