Stolen Vehicle High-Speed Pursuit Ends with Arrest

Posted on 09/21/2024

DATE: September 21, 2024
SUBJECT: Stolen Vehicle High-Speed Pursuit Ends with Arrest
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis

Town of Wayne, Wi – On Thursday, September 19th at 11:02 PM, deputies responded to a report of a stolen Ford F150 from the 6900 block of Farm Lane in the Town of Wayne. Utilizing GPS tracking, the vehicle's owner directed Washington County deputies to the 2700 block of State Highway 28, where the suspect had attempted to steal another vehicle.

As the pursuit unfolded, law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts to track the suspect through West Bend and into Slinger. After a lengthy chase spanning over 40 miles through Washington and Dodge Counties, Washington County deputies successfully deployed tire deflation devices, bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion at Interstate 41 and County Trunk D.

Sheriff Schulteis emphasized the dangers posed by high-speed pursuits: "Chasing a suspect in a stolen vehicle is incredibly risky, not only for law enforcement but for the public as well. It is the policy of this office to ensure that emergency operation of police vehicles is done in a manner that provides a reasonable amount of safety to all. It is also an incredibly careful balance for law enforcement. We owe the public we serve to be as cautious as possible, while also keeping in mind that the community justifiably expects that criminal behavior is held accountable. This individual will now face the legal consequences of this policy."

The suspect, a 34-year-old male from Manawa, Wisconsin, was taken into custody without incident. He is suspected of stealing multiple vehicles in the Fox Valley area prior to this incident. He is currently held at the Washington County Jail on a $15,000 cash bond. Charges referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office include operating a vehicle without owner’s consent, fleeing an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and two counts of bail jumping.

As always, a charge is merely an accusation, and a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

We thank the West Bend Police Department, Slinger Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol for their support in this operation.