Dec. 25, 2017 – On Monday, December 25, 2017, at 12:55 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office of a vehicle pursuit southbound on I-41 that would be entering Washington County. The vehicle was reported as stolen from Winnebago County. Law Enforcement successfully utilized tire deflation devices, however the vehicle continued at high speeds.
The pursuit entered Washington County with two Deputies joining Fond du lac County Deputies, and a State Trooper. While travelling southbound in the Town of Polk, just south of Hwy 144, the suspect drove through the median going northbound in the northbound lanes. Then, north of the Hwy 144 overpass, the suspect crossed through the median again but drove north in the southbound lanes.
At this time, a Washington County Sheriff’s Supervisor who was monitoring the pursuit from a distance behind was stopped on the southbound west shoulder. After re-entering the roadway, the suspect veered and drove straight toward the supervisor’s squad. The supervisor exited his squad, running to the rear as the suspect drove into the squad’s front driver side, and alongside of the squad.
The supervisor fired shots at the suspect and the suspect stopped his car. Other officers then tased the suspect and removed him from the car. The suspect was not struck by any bullets. He received only very minor injuries from the crash.
The West Bend Police Department is investigating the Sheriff’s supervisor use of force and WSP is investigating the crash scene and reconstruction. The suspect, a 25-year-old man from Appleton, will face multiple charges in several jurisdictions, related to the pursuit and crash. The supervisor will be on paid Administrative Leave pending the investigation.