Austin Laakonen (Oconto Co. Jail)
OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Drugged driving charges were filed in connection with a fatal Oconto County motorcycle crash in June, after the operator tested positive for marijuana.
Austin Laakonen, 21, is charged with homicide by vehicle – use of a controlled substance, homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, and possession of THC for the June 30 crash which killed Aubrey Williams, 19. Laakonen is scheduled to make an initial court appearance April 10.
Unlike alcohol, for which state law has permitted levels, Wisconsin has a zero-tolerance for cannabis. Any detected amount can result in criminal charges.
The crash happened on I-41, south of County Highway W in the Town of Little River, just after 7 p.m. Authorities say the motorcycle was traveling north on I-41 when the motorcycle made contact with an SUV just as the motorcycle was changing lanes.
Laakonen passed a field sobriety test, including a BAC of zero on a preliminary breath test, but a blood draw was performed. Those results showed the presence of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
Also, Laakonen did not have a license to have a passenger, the complaint states. A citation was issued for that.
Although the crash happened in June, the lab results weren’t returned to investigators until January. The charges were filed Feb. 21.
Comments