McFarland man arrested for 4th OWI after falling asleep at the wheel

Authorities say the suspect has a history of drunk driving incidents.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

A 52-year-old man from McFarland, Wisconsin was arrested and charged with his fourth operating while intoxicated (OWI) offense after he was found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle in a residential neighborhood. Police were alerted to the situation by concerned neighbors who spotted the man's car idling for an extended period of time.

Why it matters

Repeat drunk driving offenses are a serious public safety concern, as they put innocent lives at risk. This incident highlights the need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such dangerous behavior and protect communities from impaired drivers.

The details

According to the police report, officers arrived on the scene and found the man unconscious behind the wheel with the vehicle still running. After waking him up, they conducted field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer, which indicated the man's blood alcohol content was over the legal limit. A background check revealed this was the suspect's fourth OWI offense.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 PM on February 8, 2026.

The players

McFarland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested the suspect.

The 52-year-old McFarland resident

The man who was found asleep at the wheel and arrested for his fourth OWI offense.

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What they’re saying

“Drunk driving is a serious crime that puts innocent lives at risk. We will continue to enforce the law and hold repeat offenders accountable to the fullest extent.”

— Chief John Williamson, McFarland Police Chief (McFarland Police Department)

What’s next

The suspect is being held in the Dane County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 12th, where a judge will determine if he will be granted bail or remain in custody until his trial.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent repeat offenses and protect public safety in communities like McFarland.