The St. Croix County Emergency Communication Center received numerous 911 calls at about 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2021, in regards to a vehicle that was driving poorly. Motorists advised that on I-94, near milepost 10 in Warren Township, a vehicle had entered the median, driven back out, and was now swerving as it continued eastbound on I-94.
Near milepost 24, a Woodville Police Officer observed the vehicle, and attempted to stop it. The vehicle did not stop, and increased speeds. St. Croix County deputies assisted. The vehicle continued eastbound, and was all over both lanes of I-94 as well as driving down the center line, and was failing to stop for emergency vehicles. Near milepost 43, the vehicle served at a civilian motorist’s vehicle, nearly striking it. Wisconsin State Patrol assisted by setting up stop sticks at milepost 45 in Dunn County. After swerving at the Wisconsin Trooper’s squad, the vehicle struck the stop sticks. The
vehicle came to rest in the ditch near milepost 47.
The driver refused to comply with officers on scene by exiting the vehicle. During the three hour standoff, chemical irritants were utilized in an effort to have the driver come out of the vehicle and surrender peacefully. Shortly after 9 pm, with the assistance of the Eau Claire Regional SWAT team, the subject was removed from the vehicle, and taken into custody. There were no injuries reported. During the pursuit, speeds reached 100 mph The subject was transported to the St. Croix County jail, where he was charged with felony fleeing, endangering safety and OWI 1st, as well as a hold for the Minnesota Department of Corrections on a felony warrant. His first court appearance will be on Monday, September 27, 2021.
As a result of the standoff, eastbound traffic on I-94 was delayed and diverted for nearly three hours. The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Offices.
