24-05-2025
Poplar man charged with fifth OWI following rollover
May 23—HAWTHORNE — A vehicle rollover in the town of Hawthorne led to the arrest of a Poplar man for allegedly driving a vehicle while intoxicated a fifth time.
Nicholas Fredrick Krivinchuk, 36, faces felony counts of fifth-offense operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent, as well as one misdemeanor count of operating while revoked. He made his initial appearance in Douglas County Circuit Court May 21.
A cash bond of $5,000 was set for Krivinchuk. He was ordered not to use or possess alcohol and not to operate a motor vehicle without a valid license or permit. He remained in custody at the Douglas County Jail May 23.
Douglas County sheriff's deputy Elijha Newton responded to a vehicle rollover in the area of South Pine Road and East County Road B on May 20, according to the criminal complaint. A witness reported that a man wearing dark clothing and black backpack walked away from the vehicle after the crash. Another witness reported a man in the middle of the road trying to get a ride.
Newton found Krivinchuk, who matched the description, getting into a stopped truck. When the deputy asked Krivinchuk where he was coming from, Krivinchuk reportedly said "C'mon, Newton, you know, the scene of the crash" and pointed in the direction of the crash.
Krivinchuk had bloodshot, glassy eyes, slurred speech and an odor of intoxicants, the charges allege.
The owner of the crashed vehicle told authorities that Krivinchuk had been staying with him, and did not have permission to take the vehicle.
Department of Transportation records show that Krivinchuk has four prior convictions for operating while intoxicated, the complaint said. The most recent was in 2010.
The most serious charge, fifth-offense operating while intoxicated, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.
Krivinchuk's next court appearance was set for March 26.
