On Thursday, April 3, at 6:42 a.m. a report came in of a vehicle driving on a bike trail in Eau Claire. Eau Claire Police Department officers responded, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit was initially terminated due to safety concerns of the general community.
However, the male suspect continued to drive in a dangerous manner, nearly hitting a pedestrian, jumping curbs, running stop signs and driving into oncoming traffic on the west side of the city. The suspect’s actions were dangerous and threatened the lives of those present.
Due to the suspect’s escalating actions, officers attempted to immobilize the suspect’s vehicle, resulting in several severely damaged squad cars.
The vehicle pursuit ended in a field off of Prospect Drive, when officers were able to box in the suspect vehicle. The suspect refused commands to exit the vehicle. Non-lethal force was used, and the suspect was extricated and taken into custody around 7:20 a.m.
Two officers were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
We thank agencies involved including Wisconsin State Patrol, Eau Claire Fire Rescue and hospital personnel.
The suspect was believed to be under the influence of an intoxicant.
