John Lahti
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — A Lincoln County man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy in a drunk driving crash has pled no contest to charges associated with the incident.
John Lahti entered the plea this week in a Lincoln County courtroom for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and OWI causing injury. Six other counts were then dismissed but read into the record, including charges of reckless homicide and reckless injury.
A judge then found him guilty and ordered a presentence investigation. He faces up to 46 years in prison and thousands in fines.
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.
Lahti was the only person in his vehicle at the time of the crash and was arrested after he was treated at a local hospital.
The crash happened in September of 2022. 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.
A sentencing date has not been set. The sides will hold a scheduling conference on May 14th.
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