Fond du Lac County, WI Crime: Tire Devices End I-41 Pursuit

Fond du Lac, WI – An early-morning traffic stop on Interstate 41 in Fond du Lac County turned into an approximately five-mile pursuit Thursday, ending after authorities deployed tire deflation devices and arrested the driver near Highway 151.

According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped a northbound vehicle on I-41 near County Highway F at approximately 1:10 a.m. for an equipment violation. Authorities allege the female driver provided a false name before the deputy recognized her and learned she had a valid Fond du Lac County warrant for failure to pay on a cocaine possession case.

The sheriff’s office said the driver allegedly refused to exit the vehicle and fled when deputies attempted to take her into custody.

Deputies pursued the vehicle northbound as Wisconsin State Patrol troopers deployed two tire deflation devices at I-41 and Lost Arrow Road. The vehicle eventually became disabled near Highway 151, authorities said.

The driver then allegedly fled on foot but was taken into custody on the Highway 151 overpass. A passenger cooperated with investigators and was later released.

The driver was booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail on allegations including fleeing/eluding an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, resisting or obstructing an officer, misdemeanor bail jumping and two counts of felony bail jumping.

Authorities also said the driver has open cases in Winnebago and Waupaca counties involving drug-related charges. Those cases remain pending, and charges are allegations unless proven in court.

No property damage was reported. The sheriff’s office said I-41 was closed for approximately two hours after the pursuit for the investigation and vehicle removal.