Merrill man charged with homicide by intoxicated use of motor vehicle
By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOWN OF MERRILL – A Gleason boy is dead and four others were injured in a two-car crash in the Town of Merrill on Saturday, Sept. 17.
According to a release from the Wisconsin State Patrol, at 7:22 p.m., a Dodge Ram operated by John J. Lahti, 41, of Merrill, was traveling southbound on State Hwy. 17 near Sunset Rd. in the Town of Merrill when it crossed the centerline into the northbound lane and collided head-on with a northbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Thomas J. Skaar, 41 of Gleason, and occupied by passengers Leah M. Skaar, 37, of Gleason; a female, 9, of Gleason; and a male, 8, of Gleason.
Thomas J. Skaar and the nine-year-old female were transported to Aspirus Merrill Hospital with non-threatening injuries.
Leah M. Skaar suffered critical injuries and was flown to Wausau Aspirus Hospital, the release said.
The eight-year-old Gleason male was fatally injured.
All four passengers in the Chevrolet Silverado were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to the State Patrol.
Lahti received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Aspirus Merrill Hospital.
Following medical clearance, Lahti was taken into custody by Lincoln County deputies and was transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, according to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
“The crash remains under investigation and additional charges are possible,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, Merrill Fire and Ambulance, Russell Fire and First Responders, Wausau EMS and Life Link Helicopter responded to the scene.
The crash was reconstructed by the Wisconsin State Patrol.