La Crosse woman with two-year-old passenger charged with 5th offense OWI in Vernon County

Feb. 26, 2025

WESTBY, Wis – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a felony arrest as the result of a traffic incident early Tuesday afternoon.

According to a Sheriffs Department report, at approximately 12:00 p.m., on Tuesday, feb. 25, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a smaller passenger car being operated erratically on US Highway 14 traveling east through the Village of Coon Valley. It was reported that the vehicle, at varied speeds crossed the centerline. It was also reported that the vehicle was following another vehicle too closely.  The Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Westby Police Department. With the description given by the caller, the vehicle was stopped on US Highway 14 near the intersection of Sherpe Road, rural Westby, Wis., in the Town of Viroqua.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as Kelli Eileen Doughman, 35, of La Crosse, Wis.  The investigation continued and Doughman was subsequently taken into custody at approximately 1:30 p.m. for operating while intoxicated, fifth offense. Doughman was traveling with a two-year-old child at the time of the traffic stop. If convicted, the charge carries additional penalties because of the age of the passenger.   

Sheriff Torgerson expressed his appreciation to the Vernon County Department of Human Services for their quick response and assistance during the incident.  Sheriff Torgerson is also grateful for the assistance of the Viroqua Police Department, Westby First Responders, and Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance.

The lead investigating sheriff’s deputy sought a search warrant to obtain further evidence.  The warrant was subsequently authorized by Vernon County Circuit Court and with the assistance of Viroqua Police, executed by the Sheriff’s Office.

Doughman is being held in the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center awaiting a bail hearing.  Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.  A charge is merely an accusation.  Kelli Doughman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

If you have any information about this crime, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at (608) 637-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.p3tips.com