By Jacob Mathias

Speeding and curb-jumping have landed a Plover man with multiple felonies — including his fifth charge of OWI.

Tyson Laird, 37, was charged with his fifth count of both OWI and operating with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to a $10,000 fine, or six years imprisonment or both if convicted.

According to court documents, deputies attempted to stop Laird near County Hwy. HH and Olympia Ave. in the Village of Whiting on Aug. 10 at about 11 PM. Laird was clocked at 50 mph in a 35-mph speed zone.

Laird’s vehicle continued speeding eastbound toward the intersection of HH and Hoover Ave., when he veered from the right lane and into the left, then crossing the center line.

When he reached the intersection, Laird ran a red light and jumped the curb with both passenger side tires while making a right turn onto Hoover Ave., where he came to a stop.

The deputy approached the vehicle and reports immediately smelling an odor of alcohol coming from Laird, according to the complaint, who also reportedly had slurred speech and glassy eyes.

When asked if he knew why the deputy pulled him over, Laird said it was because he had jumped the curb. When asked why he struck the curb, Laird said he was trying to operate his phone.

When asked for ID, Laird handed the deputy a credit card. The deputy asked again and was given a driver’s license.

Laird said he was driving a woman home from a birthday party and said he’d had a “couple drinks.” During later questioning he reporting having two beers and two shots.

Field sobriety tests were given to Laird which he performed poorly, according to the complaint. A breathalyzer revealed Laird’s blood alcohol level at .206 percent, over twice the legal limit.

The defendant was arrested and taken to St. Michael’s Hospital for an official blood draw. The arresting officer reports Laird fell asleep multiple times while filling out paperwork at the hospital and had to be awakened multiple times.

Laird is seeking an attorney and returns to court on Sept. 26 at 1:30 PM for an initial appearance. He is currently held on a $5,000 cash bond.