Pine Island Woman Accused of Trying to Strangle Dog is Sentenced

Kasson, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Pine Island woman accused of trying to strangle a Kasson woman's dog has been sentenced to two years on probation.

40-year-old Crystal Ondler recently entered into a plea agreement and admitted to a gross misdemeanor DWI charge and a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. Several other charges, including a felony burglary charge and a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, were dismissed.

Ondler was arrested in late November after a Kasson Police Officer responded to a 911 call and found an SUV parked on the front lawn of a residence. The woman living in the home told the officer the driver of the SUV walked into her garage and attempted to strangle her dog.

The officer spoke to and identified the woman as Ondler. After detecting the odor of alcohol and observing her swaying back and forth, the officer performed a preliminary breath test. It measured her blood-alcohol-concentration at .28, which is more than three times the legal limit.

According to the criminal complaint, Ondler told the officer that she believed she was in Pine Island. The charges also alleged that she became hostile and threatened to spit in a deputy's face after she was arrested and was taken to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office in Mantorville.

Court records show Ondler was two previous convictions for both DWI and disorderly conduct.