Cops Investigate Burglary and Find Drunk Driver Instead

A 46-year-old Muskego man is facing charges after he allegedly drove drunk with marijuana in his pickup truck too close to an area where police officers were investigating a burglary.

Richard V. Klemme was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court Monday with one count of fourth offense operating while intoxicated and one count of possession of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in jail and $3,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

At 1:03 p.m. Sunday, Muskego police officers were called to a residence on Adrian Drive on report of a burglary and while investigating the incident, they determined there was a chance the suspect was still in the area. Officers then went to look at a former military facility about 200 yards away from the burglary, and while in that area they saw Klemme turn from Applethorn Trail onto southbound Racine Avenue, so they decided to pull him over.

They told Klemme what they were investigating and while talking with him they noticed the smell of alcohol coming from inside the truck, but he denied drinking. The officer then called for a K9 unit to search the truck.

While the dog was searching, Klemme asked the officer if he could get his cell phone and call someone to pick up his dog. When the officer asked why he needed someone to pick up his dog, Klemme said officers might find marijuana on him, then he pulled out an eyeglass case, which had drugs inside.

Klemme was placed under arrest and taken to the Muskego Police Department where he failed field sobriety tests and submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.12.

Klemme was previously convicted of OWI in 1989, 1995 and 2006. He’s currently free on a $5,000 signature bond while awaiting trial.