Irma Man Enters Plea for High Speed Chase in Lincoln and Marathon Counties

Saturday, July 6th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) An Irma man who led officers on a chase between Lincoln and Marathon Counties last December has pled no contest to one count of recklessly endangering safety.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, court records show Bernard Robertson entered the plea on Tuesday and was sentenced to six years in the state prison system, including three years in prison and another three on extended supervision.

The sentence stems from an incident on December 2nd, 2023 when officers tried to stop a vehicle displaying illegal license plates. They discovered that the driver, identified as Robertson, was wanted for arrest in Chippewa County on an outstanding warrant.

Robertson then took off on County Road W into the Town of Pine River and continued into Marathon County. He continued eastbound on Shady Lane before crashing his vehicle in a wooded area.

Officers say Robertson fled on foot with two officers in pursuit. The chase took them near a 20-30 foot embankment, which both officers fell into. They sustained leg injuries but were still able to take Robertson into custody.

In addition to his prison term, the 54-year-old has been ordered to have no contact with two victims and pay restitution. He will also write an approved letter of apology to the victims.

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