Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced in Lincoln County Court for OWI

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 -- 4:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A Wisconsin Rapids man arrested for driving drunk and obstructing an officer, all stemming from a report that he was tailgating a woman in the Town of Bradly in Lincoln County, was sentenced in Lincoln County Court on Tuesday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, the 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. Banuelos was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, OWI, resisting/failing to stop, and disorderly conduct.

Several other charges were dismissed and read in. He was sentenced to 24 months prison and 36 months of extended supervision.

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