Dec. 19, 2017 – Hartford, WI – On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at approximately 11:33 a.m., the Hartford Emergency Communications Center received a call regarding a possible road rage incident with a witness following the suspect’s fleeing vehicle.
The caller reported the suspect was driving erratically and reaching speeds between 45 and 60 MPH. Hartford officers located the suspect vehicle on HWY 60, just west of Independence Avenue, and the suspect, a 31-year-old Hartford man, was taken into custody without further incident.
An empty holster, a handgun, and items of drug paraphernalia were recovered from the vehicle.
Investigation revealed that the suspect had been driving westbound on E. Sumner St./HWY 60, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and waving his arms frantically at other motorists. As they approached the intersection of HWY 60 and Mill St., the suspect displayed a handgun out the driver side window of his vehicle before colliding with a second vehicle.
According to witnesses, the suspect’s vehicle then hopped the curb and turned northbound onto Mill Street. The suspect vehicle then briefly drove on the sidewalk on the west side of Mill St., and reportedly came within 10 to 15 feet of striking a pedestrian that was loading their parked vehicle on the east side of the Schnorenberg’s Floor Covering store.
Charges of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Disorderly Conduct While Armed, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and numerous traffic violations are being referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.