police
officer arrested for OWI
A part-time police officer in
Lake Hallie has pleaded not guilty to citations for OWI first offense and
refusing a test for intoxication in Chippewa Falls on Tuesday, June 17.
Luke R. Gehweiler, 34, 18685
52nd Ave., entered the not guilty pleas Friday in Chippewa County Court.
Gary Spilde, chairman of the
Lake Hallie Police Commission, on Friday said he believed Chief Cal Smokowicz
has suspended Gehweiler.
“He was waiting for what the
report (by Chippewa Falls Police) has to say,” Spilde said of an email he
received from Smokowicz regarding the issue.
Smokowicz can suspend an
officer. The matter then goes to the village’s Police Commission, which decides
if further action is needed.
Lake Hallie officers are
represented by the Wisconsin Police Professionals Association, Spilde said.
Smokowicz wasn’t available for
comment on Friday. Chippewa Falls Police were not available to provide details
of the citations.
A refusal to submit to an intoxication
test can result in an automatic revocation of a driver’s license, unless the
accused schedules a hearing within a set time. Gehweiler has requested that
hearing.
Gehweiler’s initial appearance
in Chippewa County Court before Judge Roderick Cameron is set for 9 a.m. on
Tuesday, July 22.
