Snowmobiler jailed after Sunday crash

By RALPH ANSAMI

ransami@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — A 28-year-old Illinois man was incarcerated in the Gogebic County Jail at Bessemer Sunday after crashing a snowmobile in Ironwood.

According to Ironwood Public Safety Department reports, Denis Walsh, of Maple Park, was arrested for operating while intoxicated (third offense), driving while his operator’s license was suspended and refusing to take an alcohol breath test.

Bond was set at $25,000 in Gogebic County District Court, subject to posting 10 percent to be released.

According to officers, the crash occurred at the intersection of Liberty and Commerce streets around 1:10 a.m.

The 2012 Ski-Doo that had been headed east at a high rate of speed on Commerce Street went airborne for about 40 feet over a snowbank, officers reported.

The report indicated Walsh was separated from the machine and he rolled down an embankment about 15 feet and came to rest on his back, south of the snowmobile, in the area with some trees.

Walsh then got back on the machine and tried to flee the scene, but the snowmobile came to rest in the middle of the roadway after having sustained moderate damage in the crash, according to the IPSD report.

When officers arrived at the scene, Walsh was standing next to the Ski-Doo.

He allegedly refused to take an alcohol breathalyzer test and refused transportation to the hospital by Beacon Ambulance. He was taken to Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood by officers, however, so a blood sample could be drawn after a search warrant was obtained.

Walsh was then fingerprinted and booked at the jail, pending an initial court appearance.