Wisconsin Rapids Man Arrested for OWI and Obstructing an Officer

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 -- 11:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A 32-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man is accused of driving drunk and obstructing an officer, all stemming from a report that he was tailgating a woman in the Town of Bradly last week.

The 41-year-old woman called officers to report that someone was following her closely. A nearby officer caught up to the vehicles and attempted to initiate a stop on the trailing car, though they refused to pull over.

Eventually, the woman turned onto private property, with the suspect and officer not far behind. The officer made contact with the man and immediately noticed signs of impairment.

The suspect, later identified as Brandon Banuelos, was non-compliant and eventually was detained in the patrol car for safety. The officer then checked on the woman, who said she didn’t know why she was being followed, adding that at one point she pulled over to allow him to pass. Instead, he continued to follow her.

Banuelos refused to do a field sobriety test and was booked in the Lincoln County jail. He now faces a felony OWI and four misdemeanor counts. Court records show he has yet to post a $500 cash bond and will return to court for a preliminary hearing on September 2nd.

Should he post the bond, he must maintain absolute sobriety and would not be allowed to operate any motor vehicle.

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