By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
MERRILL – A Merrill man charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and causing a crash that killed a child and injured several others pleaded not guilty this week.
John J. Lahti, 42, is facing eight felonies, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, causing injury while operating while intoxicated and second degree reckless homicide, according to court records.
Lahti appeared in Lincoln County Court on Tuesday, March 28 and entered a not guilty plea for the charges, which stem from a crash that occurred on Sept. 17, 2022 in the Town of Merrill.
According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a Dodge Ram operated by Lahti was traveling southbound on State Hwy. 17 near Sunset Rd. 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 Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
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 criminal complaint, Lahti displayed signs of intoxication at the scene, and his blood alcohol concentration was .290, more than three times the legal limit to drive.
Court documents said law enforcement recovered a liter brandy bottle, slightly over half full, from Lahti’s vehicle.
Lahti is scheduled to be back in court on Thursday, May 11 for scheduling conference.