![Thomas Ralph Milkowski Thomas Ralph Milkowski](https://www.villages-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Thomas-Ralph-Milkowski-263x300.jpg)
A Villager will lose his driver’s license after a night of drinking and bowling.
Thomas Ralph Milkowski, 73, of the Village of Charlotte, pleaded no contest this past week in Sumter County Court to a charge of driving under the influence. He will lose his driver’s license for six months, has been placed on probation for one year and must perform 50 hours of community service.
Milkowksi was found at about 11:30 p.m. Feb. 22 passed out behind the wheel of a white 2019 Toyota Highlander SUV which was parked on the sidewalk near the intersection of Morse Boulevard and State Road 44, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle was in drive and the engine was running.
A half empty bottle of Gilbey’s vodka was found in the SUV. Milkowski said he had been bowling at Fiesta Bowl in the Spanish Springs area. He said he drank three rum and Coke cocktails while bowling.
The Milwaukee native agreed to participate in field sobriety exercises, but a deputy had to catch him several times when he nearly fell over. Milkowski provided breath samples that registered .150 and .143 blood alcohol content.
A criminal history check revealed that Milkowski had been convicted of driving under the influence in Wisconsin in 1993 and 2007.