(June 25, 2023 – Kenosha Police)
The dash-cam and body-cam footage of a Tremper High School teacher leading police on a drunken pursuit through Kenosha was released today. Pursuant to a public records request, KPD turned over the videos to KCE today.
Mark P. Wisniewski, 41, of Kenosha, was sentenced to six months in jail earlier this month after leading Kenosha Police on a 1 mile chase with a blood alcohol content of .300 – almost four times the legal limit. Wisniewski told police he didn’t stop because he “didn’t have insurance.” He also was so intoxicated, that while being booked into the jail, Wisniewski didn’t know who the police were or where he was at. “I’m with the City of Kenosha Police Department and you’re at the Kenosha County Jail in the back of a police car,” one officer told Wisniewski. During the ride to the jail, Wisniewski asked police to drop him off at his house. This wasn’t his first OWI. It was his third. Unsurprising to people familiar with KUSD policy, all three OWIs were obtained by Wisniewski while he was employed by the Kenosha Unified School District. KUSD doesn’t care about his criminal behavior or the many lives he’s risked.
In 2011, the Center For Disease Control (CDC) published a study that suggests in America, most people convicted of an OWI have driven drunk 80 times for every arrest. These statistics suggest that Wisniewski may have driven drunk more that 200 times.
After the arrest, the Kenosha Police Department asked that the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office charge Wisniewski with OWI 3rd and Felony Fleeing and Eluding. The progressive DA’s office, however didn’t charge Wisniewski with felony fleeing and eluding, instead charging him with a misdemeanor count of “Resist Officer – Failure To Stop Vehicle” and OWI (3rd).
Wisniewski plead guilty to OWI (3rd) and the DA’s office dismissed the failure to stop charge. Judge Gerad Dougvillo sentenced Wisniewski to six months in jail but allowed for HUBER, also known as work release.
Beginning March 11, 2024, Wisniewski leaves the jail every morning and goes to Tremper High School to teach English class, and returns to the jail at night. He will be doing this until summer break.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss (D) wouldn’t answer any questions from KCE, but did release a statement though a KUSD spokesperson who said “this employee’s conviction is not substantially related to their employment and, therefore, disciplinary action will not be issued.”
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Wisniewski was hired by KUSD on August 29, 2007. Even after the third time driving drunk, KUSD has decided to let Wisniewski continue to educate young minds. Wisconsin Governor Tony Ever’s (D) Department of Public Instruction doesn’t seem to take issue with Wisniewski’s repeated lawlessness either. His license to teach is still valid.
On November 7, 2007, only 70 days after being hired by the district, Wisniewski got his first OWI in Milwaukee. He was found guilty on January 25, 2008.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
On August 1, 2013, while wearing a Star Wars shirt, Wisniewski was driving at a blood alcohol level of .216 – almost three times the legal limit. Wisniewski lost control of his car, drove off of the roadway and entered a backyard of a home where he crashed into a tree. He plead guilty on March 7, 2014 and served 15 days in jail.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Finally, on June 25, 2023, a Kenosha Police Officer in an unmarked squad observed a Wisniewski in an SUV traveling eastbound approaching his location at 26th Avenue and 52nd Street, in the City and County of Kenosha, State of Wisconsin. He measured the vehicle’s speed at a 55mph in a 30mph zone.
Due to the vehicle’s high rate of speed the officer attempted to catch up to it prior to activating his squad emergency lights and siren. His maximum speed while doing this was 54 mph. The officer activated his squad emergency lights earlier then he wanted to as the vehicle was approximately 2-3 blocks ahead of him. His maximum speeds while attempting to catch up to this vehicle with his emergency lights and siren activated was at 68 mph.
Speeds were estimated at approximately 40 mph from this viaduct to Sheridan Road. The vehicle stopped at the red traffic light at Sheridan Road. The KPD officer stopped behind it as it stopped in the inner lane. He did not see the rear reverse lights activate as if it would have been placed into a park position. The officer then turned off the audible siren. He exited the squad and placed his driver side spotlight on the driver/side mirror area. This light illuminated the driver’s face. He also activated his 1000 lumen flashlight in to driver seat area. Officer Weidner observed the driver appear to look into the mirror in his direction. The officer yelled loudly for the driver to turn off the engine three times. He also ordered the driver to place the vehicle into park.
During this time the traffic light turned to green. This vehicle stayed stopped for approximately 20 seconds. It then drove through the intersection continuing to drive eastbound. Officer Weidner was yelling so loud that people at Lou Perrines parking lot was looking in his direction and he heard them commenting when the vehicle drove away. Officer Weidner continued to pursue it eastbound activating his squad siren. While in the 800 block, he observed the vehicle hard brake from approximately 40 mph to 14 mph and turned the right directional and moved over to the curb lane. It appeared the vehicle was going to pull over. It did not, it continued to fail to yield to the emergency mode squad car at this slow speed until the T-intersection (all way stop signed). The officer observed this vehicle activate it’s right turn signal. It slowed to approximately 10 mph and proceeded through the intersection turning southbound. There was another vehicle stopped on the northside of the intersection yielding to his squad and not attempting to go through the intersection. This vehicle continued southbound on 6th Avenue (speeds approximately 26 mph). This vehicle then stopped at the intersection (all way stop signed) at 54th Street/6th Avenue. The vehicle turned on the left turn signal. It stopped completely then proceeded to turn eastbound on 54th Street. The vehicle then activated the right turn signal and turned southbound on 5th Avenue. Approximately half the way towards 55th Street the vehicles slowed to a stop near the west curbing.
Once stopped, the officer ordered the driver to turn off the vehicle multiple times. The driver eventually did this. he ordered him to open the driver door. He opened it slightly. He then ordered him to open it all the way, which he did. The officer ordered him to exit the vehicle with his hands in the air. He did not do as ordered. He eventually turned but not the way he ordered him. At that time a backup officer arrived and continued with the commands. Wisniewski continued to disobey the orders given to him. He was eventually placed into custody. Police believed driving actions constituted fleeing an officer charge.
Here is the video footage of the arrest:
39 Responses
Wisconsin is one of the drunkest states in the country. Drunk driving is scary common by just about every occupational group. We put up with it and tolerate the innocent lives that are lost. This teacher is a menace and a danger to all of us. However, he is no different than a drunken cop, fireman, lawyer, nurse, athlete, politician, truck driver, airplane pilot—you get my drift—or any other habitual drunk driver. His profession should not be vilified.
I think there is a division here we need to address.
This is not a guy we’d want taking kids in his car on a field trip. And he wouldn’t be in my circle of friends. But is it enough to cost him his job?
The post above refers to a “drunken cop.” That’s a good point because it gives some insight into how to answer this question.
The Kenosha Police Department had a “drunken cop” who was convicted of causing injury by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant > .15. Below is his sentence:
“Court ordered defendant to serve 40 DAYS in the House of Correction with credit for 1 day time served. Huber privileges for work, treatment, job search, and child care. REPORT DATE: 01-09-2019 by 5:00 p.m. Defendant may report earlier than this date if he’d like to. Court ordered DNA sample-DNA surcharge imposed. Court ordered defendant to pay a fine of $300.00 PLUS all mandatory costs, penalties, surcharges, and $50.00 ignition interlock surcharge, cash bail to apply. All Court costs, fines, and surcharges are due by 04-02-2019. If there are any missed payments any remaining balance will be due FORTHWITH and an immediate entry of a civil judgment is ordered by the court. Court ordered AODA assessment and Driver’s Safety Plan. Defendant to cooperate with any treatment recommended. Court ordered defendant’s driving privileges revoked for a period of 12 months. Court orders defendant restricted to operation of vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device for 12 months to commence upon eligibility to reinstate license. Court further orders that the defendant make a contribution to a not for profit agency that deals with alcohol related issues.”
This is the response from then Police Chief Daniel Miskinis who said the veteran officer’s “off-duty incident is not acceptable or reflective of our standards, and is in no way condoned. Based on his conduct and the conviction, I will be seeking termination of his employment with the Kenosha Police Department.”
More specifically, though, the termination turned on the officer’s inability to perform his job because he no longer had a valid driver’s license. That’s a no-brainer. And the termination was upheld.
It’s may not be the entirely the same for this chemically dependent teacher. The superintendent could and should have said, as did Chief Miskinis, that the teacher’s “off-duty incident is not acceptable or reflective of our standards, and is in no way condoned.” But could he have fired the teacher?
The KUSD’s p.r. flak told Kevin, “This employee’s conviction is not substantially related to their employment and, therefore, disciplinary action will not be issued.”
He may be correct. I suspect they conferred with their HR people and lawyer. Operating a motor vehicle (and with a valid driver’s license) is a job requirement for a police officer. When the driver’s license went bye-bye so did his ability to do his job. This teacher doesn’t have to operate a motor vehicle to teach his classes but he does have to have a license issued by the Department of Public Instruction.
Kevin put the cart before the horse and barked up the wrong tree. The real question at this time isn’t why hasn’t KUSD fired this mope but why hasn’t DPI yanked his license? (And, for that matter, are there other teachers with records that bad, or worse, who still have their licenses?)
And, of course, is the teacher’s license went bye-bye and KUSD didn’t do what Chief Miskinis did, then heads ought to roll.
Darn, we need an edit function to correct typos. “If the teacher’s license went bye-bye and KUSD didn’t do what Chief Miskinis did, then heads ought to roll.”
I get your sentiment and agree with most of it; however, I think the 3 strike rule should apply in this case. He’s had 2 other chances to get his sh*t together. If he cannot straighten his own life out how is he to be a good role model? He’s not.
Philosophically I agree with you. But taxpayer dollars spent in litigation that they would likely lose and then have to reinstate with back pay? Nah.
We have multitudes of drunks just in Kenosha and Racine Counties who have reached 5th, 6th, 7th OWI convictions. They get little to no punishment and they’re back rolling around plastered every night.
Thank the Tavern League and the politicians they pay off for making Wisconsin a nationwide embarrassment.
Seems like you have a stake in this 🤔
Yes, as a taxpayer I don’t want to piss money down the drain in litigation the district would likely lose and then have to pay this moron back pay.
Hey , Be Be , my man , how are you ?
Are you a retired police officer?
Horses don’t bark.
Watching the video I want to thank the following for keeping Kenosha UNSAFE;
1) DA office
2) Kenosha Judges
3)KUSD
We are in trouble!!
Just sheer luck that this Bozo didn’t crash.
He must’ve had a lot of practice.
Fatass needs to ride his bike to the bars!
he has my vote for teacher off year. kusd employees are perverts, drunks, and many abuse drugs. they shouuld close all the kid watching schools.
How did the police change the color of Mark P. Wisniewski’s skin to the color white for the video? The media told me that the cops only stop people at gunpoint if they are black.
Photoshop, man. Get with it!
So until he kills one of his students, the KUSD will allow him to keep teaching?
Will they pay attention if he kills someone? Jeff Weiss is a freaking loser and so is our court system and the moron Evers
Kids look up to teachers as role models. The high school years are a time when kids are picking colleges, thinking about majors and/or career paths. Teachers are people who play a role in these decisions that kids make. I hear one big argument (as a push for higher pay) being that teachers often spend more time with their students than their parents do, therefore they often play a bigger role in their overall formation.
This man is a detriment to the profession, and he is another example as to why KUSD is a joke of a system.
Teachers already bring in snacks for students, counsel troubled kids, design and adapt lesson plans for all kinds of learners at all different levels, mentor new teachers, go through “stop the bleed” training in case a student is shot, decorate their classroom, perform administrative duties, and organize field trips, just to name SOME duties. I think adding “be a role model 24/7” is an awful big ask. Don’t you think?
The expectation that a teacher won’t drink & drive and then lead a police chase is a far cry from requiring them to be a good role model 24/7.
If an individual finds it so difficult to NOT drink & drive, maybe they need to seek professional help— and not be exposed to children (because yes, high schoolers ARE children)!
This school board f*** says it doesn’t interfere with his work, I can prove easily that it does. His criminal behavior is a major distraction for the students. It also shows the students there is no consequences for bad behavior over and over in today’s world, which translates into things such as underage drinking. The very least thing they could do would be to move him to a different School District.
A school near his home so he can walk or ride a bike. Others have to so should he. He needs to get out of KUSD.
You haven’t proved anything, by simply making a statement, William L. This teacher has received consequences for his crime. He is in jail. I can assure you teens have been drinking for longer than you or I have been alive. This man’s arrest record won’t change that.
If KUSD wants to get rid of him, as it should, then the place to start would be for someone to file a complaint with the DPI (hint, hint, Kevin). No license, no job.
The concerns about him are valid. Just have to be channeled in the right direction.
And KUSD wonders why enrollment is down? Hmmm let’s think about that for a moment…could it be from all the pedophiles, drunks and anything in between that they are hiring into the schools?? Let’s get these KUSD @$$hats on the Board, OUT and get some younger people in, who have kids in school and care what’s happening!!!
Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, unless you work for KUSD.
…or are an actor in the 1978 film “Animal House.”
This “teacher” is why I will never send my kids to public school. They have no behavior or morality standards.
Maybe our “governor,” the former ten year “Superintendent of Public Instruction” and NEA hack can explain to us why this “teacher” should retain his job.
Dr. Jill Underly is the state superintendent now, not Tony Evers. And she can revoke a license for “immoral conduct.”
Has anyone filed a complaint with DPI? Anyone? Bueller?
This unfortunately is not just a KUSD issue. In Burlington they had a teacher and head football coach caught drunk at school. He took a little time off and now is back. Time to look at the Tavern League influence in our state , follow the money, and legalize weed.
When it comes to the Tavern League, start with Vos.
The Tavern league does NOT force people to drink alcohol! Stop blaming the Tavern league! This argument is absolutely ridiculous!
Odd. Looking up the laws on dui.driving laws.org, Wisconsin DUI Laws say he should have lost his license already even before this incident.
I hope Mark gets help before he kills someone.
This whole situation is a shame. I hope Mark gets the help he needs. The fact that he chose to drink and drive off the clock outside of work, does not make him a bad teacher. It makes him a person who desperately needs help… but it’s very possible that he was a good teacher while at work.
Police CHASE?? He was very slowly driving home. He was polite to the officers. Want to watch bad DUI arrests, go on youtube.