By Hub City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A Marshfield woman was charged with fourth offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) following a traffic stop by Marshfield police on Jan. 4.

According to police reports, a Marshfield officer was on routine patrol and observed a car with a snow-covered rear window. When the vehicle pulled into a parking lot, the officer followed.

While running a Department of Transportation check, records showed that the registered owner of the vehicle, Dixie L. Pontefract, 32, Marshfield, had her license revoked on earlier charges.

As the officer prepared to park the patrol vehicle, Pontefract ran from the car to an apartment complex, and the officer pursued her. In the hallway of the complex, the officer observed Pontefract and reportedly recognized characteristics and behaviors consistent with intoxicants.

After assessing the driver during a standardized field sobriety test, the officer attempted to administer a preliminary breath test, which Pontefract refused.

Pontefract was then arrested for OWI based on the field sobriety test.

OWI, fourth offense, is a Class H felony. Pontefract is now subject to up to $10,000 in fines and six years in prison. Upon conviction, the court will also revoke operating privileges for two to three years and subject her to alcohol and drug assessment.

Pontefract is scheduled to be in court Jan. 25 for her preliminary hearing and arraignment.