Two HHS vandals arrested for violating probation

Benjamin N. Luehrs, 19, 1247 Graham Ave., formerly of Hudson, and Michael C. Van Ness, 21, 1733 Laurel Ave., were both arrested following a traffic stop just after 10 p.m. June 24 on Vine Street near Diamond Drive.

According to the police report, officers stopped the car Luehrs was driving after observing him swerve in his lane and then cross the center line. When asked, Luehrs denied that he had been drinking. VanNess, who was a passenger in the car, did admit to drinking earlier in a park.

After administering field sobriety tests to Luehrs, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. His blood alcohol at the scene was .107, over the legal limit of .08. A breath test of VanNess indicated his blood alcohol was .16.

Both Luehrs and VanNess are on probation stemming from their convictions for criminal damage to property in connection with vandalism at Hudson High School and New Richmond High School along with 12 others last June. Conditions of that probation include absolute sobriety and no further criminal violations.

Luehrs was also cited for transporting intoxicants as a minor. Police allegedly found beer in the vehicle. VanNess was arrested for violating his probation. Both were transported to St. Croix County Jail.

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