On Thursday, Oct. 9 between 2-6 p.m., partner agencies conducted a focused drug interdiction effort within the City of Merrill and southern Lincoln County. The interdiction was a coordinated effort between the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections-Probation/Parole, Lac Du Flambeau Police Dept., Wausau Police Dept., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Merrill Police Dept. This deployment of approximately 25 law enforcement officials was a successful effort and the Merrill Police Department wishes to extend its gratitude to the involved partner agencies who worked to improve our community. During the interdiction, officers made 28 probation home visits and 60 traffic stops. Fifty-nine verbal warning were issued and one written warning. Traffic offenses included open intoxicants, operating without a valid driver’s license, operating with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, speeding, operating without insurance, improper lane change, inattentive driving, stop sign violations and vehicle equipment violations. Twenty-seven citations were issued.
There were 11 K9 alerts on vehicles. Controlled substances encountered included hydrocodone, marijuana, prescription medication and paraphernalia.
Arrests were made on 13 misdemeanors and seven felonies. Three people were arrested on warrants and four were taken into custody on probation holds. Eight individuals were incarcerated.
Some related case summaries from Thursday:
2:06 p.m.- An officer was assisting Probation & Parole in conducting home visits with probationers. At one residence a baby/small child could be heard crying in the residence. Nobody would answer the door or even speak through the door to confirm the small child was not left alone. Several warnings were given that entry would be made to check the welfare of the child. Nobody answered and entry was made. A male was found inside who had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the warrant. A female was arrested for a probation violation. The child was released to a family member.
3:29 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle for a registration violation. A male passenger was found to be in violation of a bond in having contact with the female driver. The man was arrested for three counts of bail jumping.
3:55 p.m.- State Patrol stopped a vehicle and requested a K9 unit. Merrill K9 responded and Eros positively alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed two marijuana pipes, a small amount of marijuana and a narcotic pill. The driver was placed through field sobriety tests and as a result was arrested for operating while intoxicated. He was additionally charged with possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule II narcotic.
4:13 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle for a seat belt violation. Wausau PD K9 unit, who was in Merrill assisting with an organized drug interdiction, assisted at the scene. The dog positively alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, a marijuana pipe and narcotic medication. The driver was arrested for possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule II narcotic.
5:35 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle after finding the registered owner had a revoked driver’s license. The registered owner was in fact the driver. The man had a license restriction of .02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) due to 4 prior operating while intoxicated convictions. The odor of intoxicants was detected and a preliminary breath test confirmed the man was operating beyond his .02 restriction. The man was arrested for operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC)(5th offense) and operating after revocation (2nd offense).