Wisconsin Rapids Man Arrested in Columbia County After Short Police Chase

Friday, October 3rd, 2025 -- 2:01 PM

(Sam Swartz, WMTV) The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a wanted felon from Wisconsin Rapids after a short chase Tuesday, officials said Wednesday evening.

According to Sam Swartz with WMTV, the sheriff’s office learned a 36-year-old man with a warrant for failing to show up to court was driving around the area, officials said.

Around 1:53 p.m., a sergeant believed he saw the suspect in the area of Wisconsin Highway 60 and I-39/90/94. The sergeant tried to pull the suspect over, but he allegedly threw something onto the interstate and drove off.

For about 10 minutes, authorities chased the suspect, who was driving at or below the speed limit, CCSO said. A Poynette Police Officer used a spike strip at the intersection of Bilkie Road and Keebaugh Road.

All four tires of the driver’s vehicle were hit and the suspect stopped shortly after. The suspect, who was from Wisconsin Rapids, allegedly looked impaired, officials said.

Officials searched the interstate for the discarded item but could not find it. The man faces charges for fleeing and eluding, third offense operating while intoxicated, operating after revocation, failure to install ignition interlock, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

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