Additional charges are expected after a police chase in Chippewa County.
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for lane deviations and left of center near CTH X and CTH XX. The Vehicle fled and got onto STH westbound with speeds reaching 100 mph. Chippewa Falls and Lake Hallie Police successfully deployed tire deflation spikes and the vehicle turned northbound on STH 53 as the front tires deflated. The vehicle continued to flee as the front tires eventually fell off and was only on the rims and speeds decreased. The vehicle exited STH 53 at CTH X/River Rd in the city of Chippewa Falls and then came to rest in a steep ditch where the operator then fled on foot.
The operator was arrested moments later attempting to hide in a dumpster of a nearby apartment complex and identified as Gregory Knitter. Knitter had outstanding warrants for fail to appear for numerous previous charges of fleeing and eluding as well as domestic abuse.
There were 3 other passengers in the vehicle, 2 of which were juveniles. One of the juveniles sustained a head laceration/injury from striking the windshield when the vehicle struck the ditch embankment. The juvenile was transported by Chippewa Fire to Mayo Eau Claire and treated and released.
Methamphetamine and marijuana were recovered inside the vehicle. Knitter was charged with OWI causing injury with a minor child in the vehicle, Fleeing/Eluding, 1 st Degree Reckless Endangering Safety, Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting and Felony Bail Jumping. The incident is still under investigation and additional charges are expected.
