Crime & Safety
Columbia County, WI OWI Arrest: Driver Accused of 4th Offense
Rio, WI – A traffic stop along Highway 16 in Columbia County led to a felony impaired driving arrest after a deputy allegedly observed a vehicle repeatedly leaving its lane and speeding, authorities s
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-03T15:41:52.329Z
Rio, WI – A traffic stop along Highway 16 in Columbia County led to a felony impaired driving arrest after a deputy allegedly observed a vehicle repeatedly leaving its lane and speeding, authorities said.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff ’s Office, a deputy was traveling behind a vehicle headed westbound on Highway 16 near the Village of Rio at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday when the alleged traffic violations were observed.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy stopped the vehicle and reported observing signs of possible impairment while speaking with the driver.
Authorities identified the driver as 48 year old William Pugh of South Dakota. Due to concerns about possible impairment, the deputy asked Pugh to perform field sobriety tests, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said the deputy allegedly observed indicators of impairment during those tests. Pugh was subsequently arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while impaired.
The sheriff’s office said Pugh has three previous convictions for the same violation, making the latest allegation a fourth offense OWI, which authorities described as a felony.
Pugh was taken to the Columbia County Jail, where he was being held pending an initial court appearance, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the charge is an accusation of criminal conduct based on probable cause for an arrest. Pugh is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
No additional details about the traffic stop or upcoming court proceedings were included in the release.