(Kenosha County Sheriff, 2005)
PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. – A 70-year-old man with a history of impaired driving offenses was charged Thursday after deputies say he was caught driving under the influence of marijuana with nearly 9 grams of the drug and a glass pipe in his vehicle.
Dean L. Threlkeld of Pleasant Prairie is charged with felony Operating While Intoxicated – 5th or 6th Offense, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court Commissioner William Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail during Threlkeld’s initial appearance Friday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11, 2025.
According to the criminal complaint, a caller reported an elderly man driving a dusty blue van erratically near Walgreens in Paddock Lake just before 7 p.m. on June 5. Deputies located the van, a gray Chrysler Town and Country, traveling eastbound on Highway 50 and noticed it deviating from its lane.
Deputy Zaban stopped the vehicle and identified Threlkeld as the driver. While initially cooperative, Threlkeld began talking about his medical issues instead of producing insurance documentation. He tried to shift the vehicle into drive before deputies told him twice to put it in park. When asked to exit the van, he moved slowly and stated he needed a cane and walker to assist his mobility.
Threlkeld admitted to smoking marijuana 1 to 1.5 hours earlier with friends near the Fox River and disclosed that he had about 6 to 8 grams in the vehicle. He also acknowledged taking eight or nine prescription medications but couldn’t name them. He told deputies he knew he shouldn’t have been driving and admitted to making a mistake.
Dean L. Threlkeld, 70, of Pleasant Prairie
(Kenosha County Sheriff, Previous Mugshot)
Deputies found two baggies containing marijuana and a glass pipe with burnt residue, consistent with recent use. A blood draw was conducted, but results were not yet available at the time of the complaint.
Threlkeld’s record includes prior OWI convictions from Colorado (1990, 2000), Missouri (1994), and Kenosha County (2006). Under Wisconsin law, a 5th or 6th OWI offense carries a minimum of 18 months in prison and up to 10 years, as well as fines up to $25,000.
In addition to the criminal charges, Threlkeld received citations for driving with expired registration and deviating from his lane.
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7 Responses
“Grandpa’s high again, Grandma!”
what on earth–isn’t it time to grow up and be an adult?
The whole adult thing is overrated.
Oooo now do alcohol. Go tell all those grandpas at the government-sanctioned bars to grow up. Get em!
I know that guy he was an iron worker great guy he always said I’m building America by one still being at a time that sucks he hung up it happens see you in 3 years or less then
God made it for a reason. Just be smart with it. It’s a hell of a lot safer than alcohol.
“He also acknowledged taking eight or nine prescription medications but couldn’t name them.”… There’s the real reason he can’t drive. Kevin, you should change your headline.
Hey 420 – maybe the pure stuff might be “better” but like everything else man touches it is trash. Genetically altered garbage that mess people up. Booze is so abused also. Neither are better for anyone.