On Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at approximately 1:52pm, the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and area fire departments were dispatched to a one vehicle crash with power lines down and a grass fire starting in the 10000 block of Olson Dr (County Highway Q), in the Township of Seymour.
Upon arrival, the fire was quickly under control. Eau Claire Energy also responded to assist with the downed power lines. Deputies made contact with the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, identified as 76 year old John Bauer, of rural Eau Claire. Once fire & rescue personnel were able to extricate Bauer from the vehicle, he was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Bauer was ultimately arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. It was determined he had been traveling westbound on Olson Dr and failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle crossed over the centerline, through the oncoming lane of traffic, entered the ditch, and rolled several times before striking a utility pole and some trees.
Olson Dr was closed between Buck Rub Rd and N 110th Ave from approximately 2:00pm to 4:30pm while crews cleared the scene and removed the downed lines. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Township Fire, Eau Claire Fire & Rescue, and DNR Fire.
