• Charges of gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI one aggravating factor, and DWI 0.08 within two hours were filed July 30 against Jason P. Lawson, 13011 CR 24, New Ulm. Bail without conditions was set at $12,000; no bail with conditions, July 30. A court appearance was set for 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13.

According to the complaint, Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Fairbairn learned of a crash at 13011 CR 24, Searles at 7:02 p.m. July 27. At the scene, Lawson told Fairbairn he was backing up his truck with a flatbed trailer when he ran over a sign at the end of the driveway and backed into a witness’ vehicle.

Fairbairn smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Lawson and noticed other intoxication clues. Lawson admitted to drinking a couple shots of whiskey. A preliminary breath test recorded a .235 breath alcohol sample. Lawson failed other field sobriety test, was arrested for DWI and transported to the Brown County Law Enforcement Center (LEC).

At the LEC, Lawson provided a breath sample that recorded a .21 breath alcohol concentration. Lawson was transported to the Brown County Evaluation Center.