6-time OWI suspect arrested, faces charge of having child passenger while driving drunk

A six-time drunk driving suspect has been released from jail on a signature bond, after his arrest late last week in West Salem.

Mathew Howard has three past OWI convictions in La Crosse County and two more convictions from Minnesota, all dating back more than 20 years.

The last conviction for the 52-year-old was in early 2001.

Howard’s blood alcohol level was found to be .11, after an officer saw open beer cans in his car and saw signs of impairment. He admitted to drinking several beers.

Howard also faces an OWI charge, while his 8-year-old son was riding in the car. He was pulled over on Friday for a registration suspension.