Rice Lake man charged with 17th OWI

A Rice Lake man is charged with his 17th operating while intoxicated.  71-year-old Mark Johnson is charged with OWI 17th offense, operating while revoked, and failing to install an ignition interlock system.  According to the criminal complaint:  A woman called 911 around 8:15 PM Friday saying she was behind a truck that was swerving all over the road. She gave the license plate number to authorities, who identified Johnson as the truck’s owner.  When authorities arrived at Johnson’s home, they saw him getting out of the truck with a brown paper bag in his hand. Johnson told police he drank two 16 oz. beers on the way home from work. A preliminary blood test showed an alcohol concentration of .147.  Prior records show Johnson has 16 other OWI charges, dating back to 1990. Many are in the state of Minnesota. Johnson’s driving privileges were previously revoked for life. That doesn’t ban him from owning vehicles but he was ordered to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he did own. He also has a .02 alcohol concentration restriction.  The OWI charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.  Johnson is due back in court Wednesday for an adjourned initial appearance.