By Jim Stevens
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUKESHA, Wis. — An intoxicated bicyclist who attacked a firefighter in an ambulance and a nurse at a hospital June 18 was sentenced recently to 90 days in the work-release jail.
John S. Shanks, 51, of Waukesha, was also ordered by Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge to serve two years probation. Foster did stay the last 75 days of the jail sentence but is requiring Shanks to report daily to the Day Report Center.
Shanks entered a guilty plea Aug. 29 to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct while a felony count of battery to an emergency rescue worker was dismissed in a plea agreement with prosecutors.
According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha police and fire personnel were called to Madison Street and West North Street at about 3:40 p.m. June 18 for what was reported to be a bicyclist being hit by a vehicle. Authorities found Shanks lying on the ground and learned that he had fallen down as he tried to walk his bike across the street, the complaint said.
A police officer noted Shanks was “speaking unintelligibly and was singing Christmas carols,” the complaint said.
A preliminary breath test showed Shanks had an alcohol content of 0.32. A level of 0.08 is considered evidence of intoxication in drivers.
Shanks was taken to Waukesha Memorial Hospital in an ambulance and while on the way, Shanks removed the buckle from the gurney, stood up and went toward the exit door, the complaint said.
A firefighter grabbed Shanks and pushed him back to the gurney when Shanks allegedly grabbed the firefighter’s face and attempted to get away, the complaint said.
At the hospital, Shanks was uncooperative and at one point struck a nurse in the face, the complaint said.
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