November 5, 2019 – Jackson, WI – Jackson Police were assisted by the Jackson Fire Department and Slinger Police after a 30-year-old Hustisford man allegedly stole a vehicle, was found shooting up heroin at a gas station on Highway 60 and then fled police on foot and jumped into Hasmer Lake and needed to be rescued.
Jackson Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil said the incident started after 10:02 a.m. with the stolen vehicle.
An officer located the vehicle at the Main Street Mart, N168W22224 Main Street, in Jackson.
The officer entered the gas station and found the man using drugs in the bathroom. An officer tried to take the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued, the officer was injured and the suspect, who was wanted on a felony warrant, fled police on foot, crossed Highway P and jumped into Hasmer Lake.
Two officers, including the Chief of Police, were treated at the scene and released. “I can swim but it was just that cold,” said Chief Vossekuil.
The suspect was in the water for 12-15 minutes.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Jackson Fire Department,” said Vossekuil. “They put on their water rescue suits and managed to the pull the man out of the water with seconds to spare.”
Vossekuil issued a press release with a couple more details on the incident.
November 5, 2019
Press Release
On November 5, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., a Jackson Police Department officer attempted to arrest a 30-year-old Hustisford man at the Main Street Mart in the Village of Jackson. The Hustisford man had a Felony Warrant for his arrest and was a suspect in a vehicle theft case from earlier in the day. The officer confronted the suspect who using heroin in the bathroom. The man resisted arrest and was able to escape from the officer. The officer had minor injuries.
The suspect fled the Main Street Mart on foot and ran across the roadway near Lake Hasmer. While responding officers were searching for the suspect, he entered Lake Hasmer and swam 50-70 feet offshore. Responding officers from Jackson and Slinger Police Departments entered Lake Hasmer to attempt to rescue the man who was yelling for help and unable to exit the lake. The officers were unable to safely reach him. Jackson Fire Department personnel responded and were able to safely rescue him.
The two officers that entered the water were treated for exposure and released at the scene. The suspect was transported to a local hospital. His condition is stable. Criminal charges are pending.
The Jackson Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Slinger Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Fire Department.
Chief Ryan Vossekuil