Driver On Opioids Knocks Out 6 Light Poles On I-794: Sheriff

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — Authorities in Milwaukee County say a man under the influence of opioid pain medications crashed on I-794, and that the consequences could have been much worse.

Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt said, "a culture change is needed based on the horrific documentation of 368 drug-related deaths in Milwaukee County in 2017. In this incident, it is only fortunate that this man did not crash into oncoming traffic and kill any innocent motorists.”

On Saturday, Jan. 13 at about 6:20 p.m., authorities learned a the driver of a vehicle was driving the wrong way in the northbound median lane on I-794 between E. Oklahoma Avenue and E. Howard Avenue before crashing into six light poles.

The driver was passed out behind the wheel and treated by Bell Ambulance emergency technicians.

Sheriff's officials say the driver, Andrew J. Doubek, age 27, of Saint Francis, was administered three Narcan injections to resuscitate him. Doubek was arrested for OWI-2nd/Drugs. His prior conviction was in January 2008. He was transported to the hospital by a Milwaukee Fire Department Paramedic Unit, and refused to consent to a blood draw.

Doubek is currently on parole for a 2009 Manufacture/Deliver Heroin case and 2012 Possession of Narcotic Drugs case.

Doubek faces charges of OWI-2nd/Drugs and Recklessly Endangering Safety. If convicted,
he faces up to 13 years in prison. The freeway was closed for about a half hour while the light poles were removed.

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