WASHBURN COUNTY - The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following press release regarding a high-speed chase and capture of a suspect.
Press Release
On Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., a Washburn County deputy was conducting speed enforcement in the area of U.S. Highway 53 near Palmer Drive in Brooklyn Township. At that time the deputy noticed a southbound vehicle that appeared to be in excess of the posted 65 mph speed limit. The deputy received a radar reading of 84 mph. The deputy activated his emergency lights and siren. The suspect vehicle then turned onto township and county roads while increasing its speed. The suspect vehicle continued to State Road 77 heading west at speeds over 100 mph. The suspect vehicle then turned its lights off continuing on State Road 77 then turning onto township roads. The suspect vehicle then drove through a campground and began driving down private roads.
At one point the suspect vehicle was at a dead end road and began striking trees causing damage to the vehicle. The Washburn County deputy blocked off the road and exited his patrol vehicle while drawing his duty weapon. The suspect vehicle was able to make it around the deputies’ patrol vehicle.
Burnett and Douglas County deputies were asked to assist.
Another Washburn County deputy had set up a tire deflation device at the end of the private drive. The suspect vehicle appeared to drive over the tire deflation device, and continued back to State Road 77 then to Bridge Road. The lead pursuing deputy’s patrol vehicle then malfunctioned and left the roadway striking some trees. The deputy had to be extricated from the patrol vehicle, and was transported to a medical facility for minor injuries. The deputy was treated and released later that evening. The suspect vehicle was not located.
On June 26, 2023, at about 11:00 a.m., Washburn County deputies along with a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper were on foot checking trails and the area around where the pursuit occurred the evening before. Deputies and the trooper came upon the suspect vehicle concealed by brush on a trail. The suspect started the vehicle and began driving at the deputies and trooper. Washburn County deputies fired their duty weapons at the suspect vehicle striking the front tires.
The suspect vehicle continued past the deputies and trooper. Numerous State, County, and Municipal law enforcement agencies responded from Washburn and Burnett Counties.
Law Enforcement were able to follow debris left from the tires to a residence in Burnett County. The male driver exited the vehicle at the residence and was ordered to stop. The male stated to law enforcement “I have a gun, you’re going to have to shoot me.” The male then fled into the woods.
The male was taken into custody a short time later. No weapon was located on the male.
The male is being housed at the Washburn County Jail. The male is refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.
The two Washburn County deputies are on paid administrative leave pending interviews from Burnett County Sheriff Investigators. Burnett County is conducting the investigation.
Assisting in these incidents were Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin DNR Wardens, Spooner Police Department, Shell Lake Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Burnett County Sheriff’s Office, Webster Police Department, Grantsburg Police Department, Siren Police Department, and Minong Fire / EMS.
-- Per Sheriff Dennis Stuart, Washburn County Sheriff’s Office
Last Update: Jun 27, 2023 2:52 pm CDT
