John Lahti
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — A Lincoln County man has entered a not guilty plea to accusations that he caused a fatal crash while driving drunk last September.
John Lahti was in court on Tuesday where he entered the plea for eight counts including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, OWI causing injury, and reckless homicide. All counts against him are felonies.
Authorities say he crossed the center line while driving southbound on Highway 17 and collided head-on with another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle and a passenger were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An eight-year-old boy who was seated in the backseat died in the crash, and a fourth passenger was airlifted for serious injuries.
Breathalyzer data showed Lahti had a BAC of .29, which is 3.5 times the legal limit for driving. Officers also found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.
The 42-year-old is being held on a $500,000 bond. Should he post the cash he is to have no contact with the victims of the crash and must maintain absolute sobriety. Additionally, he would not be allowed to enter any taverns or other establishments licensed for the sale or consumption of alcohol.
He returns to court on May 11th for a scheduling conference.
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