Wausau Man Sentenced for OWI in Lincoln County

Thursday, January 8th, 2026 -- 12:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One of the Wausau men facing OWI charges after what started as a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash outside of Tomahawk  in Lincoln County Court on Wednesday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, it happened back in September of 2024 in the Skanawan Town Hall parking lot. Officers found a vehicle with damage consistent with a pedestrian strike and an injured 41-year-old man.

While interviewing the driver, Anthony Heindl, officers noticed signs of impairment. He refused a field sobriety test and officers arrested him on suspicion of OWI. As they continued their investigation they learned the victim, Scott Podgorski, had also been driving the vehicle and was also showing signs of impairment.

He also refused a field sobriety test but officers confirmed that he also drove the vehicle through security camera footage from the Town Hall. He was arrested on suspicion of OWI.

Heindl was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, OWI and resisting or obstructing an officer. Several other charges were dismissed and read in. He was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and 3 years of extended supervision.

His license was revoked for 36 months and he must use an ignition interlock device for 36 months after that. He was also fined $2,400.

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