Suspected DUI Driver Blames Beer Battered Fish

Wisconsin Dells, WI - (Wheeler News) Adams County authorities said a man tried getting out of his 10th drunk driving charge by claiming that the alcohol on his breath was from beer-battered fish he ate.

Seventy-five year old John Przybyla of Friendship was arrested in mid-October north of Wisconsin Dells on Highway 13.  According to prosecutors, an officer noticed that the vehicle had a broken tail-light, and learned that the owner's license was revoked.  Przybyla reportedly told officers he had just left a fish fry, and the alcohol they were smelling was from his food.

Officials said Przybyla refused to take a blood test to confirm his alcohol level, claiming it was against his religion.

Deputies then obtained a warrant, and they said the man was restrained at a hospital before his blood was finally drawn. Results of the test were not immediately available. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .062,  more than three times the limit for state drivers with three or more OWI convictions.

Przybala is due in court January 21st for a preliminary hearing in his latest case.