Janesville Man Arrested for 4th Alleged OWI in Beloit

Authorities say the 58-year-old was visibly impaired during a late-night traffic stop.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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The Rock County Sheriff's Office reported that a deputy pulled over a 58-year-old Janesville man on Friday night near S USH 51 and E Baldwin Woods Road in the Town of Beloit. The driver, Leo Dowthard III, was allegedly visibly impaired and was arrested for his 4th OWI as well as multiple narcotics offenses. Dowthard III was taken to the Rock County Jail.

Why it matters

Repeat OWI offenses are a serious public safety concern, as impaired drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and remove intoxicated drivers from the roads.

The details

According to the Rock County Sheriff's Office, a deputy conducted a traffic stop around 11:45 p.m. on Friday near S USH 51 and E Baldwin Woods Road in the Town of Beloit. When the deputy pulled the driver over, he was allegedly visibly impaired. An investigation resulted in the arrest of 58-year-old Leo Dowthard III of Janesville for his 4th OWI and multiple narcotics offenses.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Leo Dowthard III

A 58-year-old man from Janesville, Wisconsin who was arrested for his 4th OWI and multiple narcotics offenses.

Rock County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that made the traffic stop and arrest.

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What’s next

Dowthard III will be held at the Rock County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the importance of law enforcement's ongoing efforts to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads in order to protect public safety.