Early Sunday morning, officers received a report of a newer model Silver Nissan pick-up truck leaving a local establishment while squealing its tires. The truck then struck a vehicle at a nearby car dealership before leaving debris, including the vehicle’s grill assembly, at the scene.
Minutes later, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy discovered a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description at a north side tavern. The deputy made contact with the driver; Travis Ziegel, and transported him to the Merrill Police Department for field sobriety testing. According to notes by the investigating Merrill officer, Ziegel did not complete field sobriety testing in a satisfactory manner and was taken into custody on a 1st Offense charge of Operating While Intoxicated.
According to officer notes, Ziegel stated his vehicle had struck a patch of ice, causing him to lose control and strike the other vehicle. As of Tuesday, damage estimates to the dealership vehicle were unknown. However, the vehicle owned by the dealership was reported to have sustained bumper damage with other damages likely. Ziegel’s vehicle was estimated to have sustained front end damage in excess of $1,000.