Man accused of drunken driving, possession of firearm
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ELKHORN—A Cashton man is charged with felony fifth- or sixth-offense intoxicated driving and misdemeanor possession of a firearm while intoxicated in Walworth County Court.
A village of Bloomfield police officer saw Stephen J. Ahler, 50, driving at 9:18 p.m. June 4 on Highway 12 near County U in the village of Bloomfield, according to the criminal complaint.
The officer saw Ahler “dramatically” pull onto the highway's shoulder and get stuck. The officer also found a loaded firearm in the vehicle, the complaint states.
Ahler reportedly told the officer he consumed Blackberry Brandy before driving. Ahler had trouble keeping balance, had slurred speech and glassy, bloodshot eyes, according to the complaint.
The complaint lists four prior intoxicated driving convictions since 1998. A refusal can count as a prior offense. Ahler refused a test the night of June 4 but later gave one early in the morning of June 5, according to the complaint.
Ahler is free on a cash bond. He will appear in court next at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Walworth County Judicial Center.