Dashcam: Suspects Drive onto Airport Taxiway while Fleeing Wis. Deputies
What to know
- Fond du Lac County sheriff's deputies went after a vehicle involved in a previous chase, leading to a dramatic pursuit crossing an airport taxiway and prompting a temporary air traffic hold.
- The driver was stopped using a PIT maneuver, resulting in multiple arrests.
- Authorities later found a firearm in the vehicle and allege the suspects had considered using it against deputies.
Wisconsin deputies were caught in a wild chase last week that crossed over an airport runway as they went after suspects involved in an earlier pursuit.
The incident happened shortly before 8 a.m. May 19 when a Fond du Lac sheriff's deputy tried to stop a vehicle involved in a previous chase, WGBA-TV reports. The driver refused to stop, and another pursuit ensued, with other deputies joining the pursuit.
During the chase, which spanned nearly 18 miles, a screaming 31-year-old passenger in the vehicle called 9-1-1 and begged dispatchers for help.
The driver eventually drove onto Fond du Lac County Airport and crossed onto a taxiway before exiting. The airport was alerted to the chase, and staff put a hold on all air traffic.
Back on the interstate, a deputy was able to use a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle. The 27-year-old driver and two passengers were arrested on multiple charges. A third passenger was released.
A search of the vehicle by a Fond du Lac police K-9 found a firearm, which authorities said they had thoughts about using.
"Through investigation, it's alleged that the suspects were contemplating shooting at the pursuing deputies in an attempt to back them off," the sheriff's office stated in a social media post. "This was the third high speed pursuit the vehicle was involved in since early May. Thankfully, deputies were able to bring an end."
