“Arrested duo in Fond du Lac Co.” : Fatal Police Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Fond du Lac Suspects

Accident – Death – Obituary News : December 9, 2023 – Fond du Lac Co., WI – A dramatic police pursuit took place in Fond du Lac on Friday, December 8, 2023, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. The incident began when an officer from the City of Fond du Lac Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on Fourth Street near Main Street.

The officer had run the vehicle’s registration and discovered that the registered owner had a statewide warrant. However, as the officer approached the vehicle, the driver chose to flee, initiating a short pursuit that was quickly terminated.

Just minutes later, a deputy from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office spotted the suspect vehicle driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed on Martin Avenue near 11th Street. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply, resulting in another pursuit.

The driver continued south on Martin Avenue before turning onto Highway 151 southbound and eventually merging onto Interstate 41 northbound. Throughout the pursuit, the driver exhibited dangerous driving behaviors, putting both themselves and others at risk.

As the pursuit approached Johnson Street, a Fond du Lac officer tried to deploy a tire deflation device to halt the suspect’s progress. Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the pursuit continued on Interstate 41. However, heavy traffic eventually made it unsafe to continue, leading to the termination of the pursuit.

Moments later, the suspect vehicle began to slow down and pulled over to the shoulder. At this point, two suspects jumped out of the still-moving vehicle and fled into a marsh area along Interstate 41. The vehicle continued to roll off the interstate before coming to a stop in the marsh.

Law enforcement agencies, including Fond du Lac County Deputies, Troopers from the Wisconsin State Patrol, and Officers from the City of Fond du Lac Police Department, swiftly established a perimeter and initiated a K9 track. Both Sheriff K9 Rip and Fond du Lac Police K9 Jesus were present and successfully apprehended both suspects without incident.

The driver, a 21-year-old man from Fond du Lac, was found to have a body-only statewide warrant. He was booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail on multiple charges, including Felony Operator Flee/Elude an Officer (2 counts), First Degree Reckless Endangering Safety, Second Degree Reckless Endangering Safety, Misdemeanor Bail Jumping, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, and Threats to Law Enforcement. Additionally, he received several traffic tickets related to the pursuit.

The passenger, a 19-year-old woman from Fond du Lac, was released but is facing charges of Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, which have been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for further action.

Both suspects were evaluated for injuries sustained during the incident. The passenger suffered minor injuries while exiting the moving vehicle. Two civilian vehicles were also damaged by a tire deflation device used during the pursuit. Thankfully, no law enforcement vehicles were harmed. The pursuit covered approximately 14 miles before coming to an end.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol, City of Fond du Lac Police Department, and The Village of North Fond du Lac EMS during the incident.

Sergeant Matthew Riemenschneider #154 provided the details of the incident..