Milwaukee County wrong-way driver on I-94; man charged

MILWAUKEE - A 35-year-old Milwaukee man is accused of driving the wrong way on I-94 in Milwaukee County on Sunday morning, Jan. 19. The accused is Shamar Gholson – and he is charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Wrong-way driver

What we know:

According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 3:53 a.m. that day, a caller reported that a vehicle was traveling westbound on I-94 in the eastbound lanes, approaching 35th Street. The vehicle was described as a silver sedan with tinted windows.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle as it was approaching 70th Street. Per the complaint, the vehicle moved into the distress lane, slowed to a stop, and drove toward the center concrete wall, driving around the deputy and nearly striking the squad car. 

Court filings say the silver sedan continued to drive slowly toward another deputy's squad car before stopping approximately five feet in front of it.

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Traffic cameras traced the path of the vehicle as it drove westbound on I-94 in the eastbound lanes. The footage showed the driver passing over 10 cars, recklessly endangering the safety of others, and requiring some drivers to move over to avoid a collision, the complaint states. 

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Shamar Gholson. 

Traffic cameras

In custody

What we know:

After being stopped by law enforcement, Gholson was asked to give his keys to the deputy but was unable to locate them. At that time, the deputy detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the vehicle. 

Gholson stated that he was coming home from work, and he had two shots, the complaint states. The deputy reports that Gholson had slurred speech, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and failed Field Sobriety Tests. 

Shamar Gholson

Gholson consented to performing a preliminary breath test which showed results of .185.

What's next:

Gholson made his initial appearance in court on Jan. 22. He is due back in court on Jan. 31 for a preliminary hearing.