02-07-2025
Rural CF man sentenced to prison for fifth drunk-driving offense
CHIPPEWA FALLS — A rural Chippewa Falls man who drove his car into a ditch in February 2022 was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for his fifth drunk-driving offense.
Robert A. Ratajczyk, 62, 8043 Highway 124, was convicted by a Chippewa County jury last Thursday of OWI-fifth offense. It was a one-day trial, and the jury returned with its verdict just 70 minutes after they left the courtroom to begin deliberations.
Judge Steve Gibbs then sentenced Ratajczyk on Tuesday, ordering him to serve the 18-month prison sentence, followed by 18 months of extended supervision. While on extended supervision, Ratajczyk cannot consume alcohol, enter taverns, or drive. Ratajczyk must pay $1,704 in court costs and fines, and his driver's license was suspended for three years. He was given credit for two days already served. He also is eligible for a substance abuse program.
According to the criminal complaint, a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper assisted at the scene of a one-vehicle crash on Feb. 9, 2022, on Highway S in the town of Eagle Point. The officer noted that roads were dry and free of ice. A wrecker had pulled the vehicle from the ditch as the officer was arriving.
The officer spoke to the driver, Ratajczyk, and the officer observed signs of alcohol use. Ratajczyk failed field sobriety tests, and he tested for a .123 blood-alcohol level. He was arrested and taken to an area hospital.
Court records show Ratajczyk was convicted of his fourth drunk-driving offense after a 2009 arrest in Eau Claire County.
