On the evening of August 18th in Big Lake, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Justin Hartung, a 32-year-old father, and his 8-year-old son. Police were called to a home on Atlantic Boulevard shortly before 9:30 p.m. after reports of a medical emergency.

Officer Julie Hawkins arrived to find Hartung carrying his unconscious son, who had fallen from a golf cart. Hartung admitted he was driving the cart while his child sat on the back without a seat belt. The boy struck his head in the fall and was taken to Children’s Hospital for treatment.

As the investigation progressed, signs of alcohol impairment became clear. Hartung's eyes were glossy and red, and an open beer can was found on the golf cart. He failed sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, 0.173. This was not his first offense—records showed previous DWIs within the last decade.

Hartung now faces serious charges, including felony criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm and a gross misdemeanor for second-degree DWI. The maximum penalty for the felony charge is three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He remains presumed innocent while the legal process unfolds, as the community hopes for the boy’s recovery and justice for this reckless act.