Man Arrested by Neillsville Police Department for Possession Appears in Clark County Court

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 -- 11:01 AM

One of the men arrested by the Neillsville Police Department for drug charges appeared in Clark County Court on Tuesday.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Patrol Officer with the Neillsville Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Stuve Road near Walkers Road in the Township of Mentor for an equipment violation.

While attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stop and drove into a private driveway. A male passenger, identified as James Cooley, of Chippewa Falls, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was later apprehended.

The driver, identified as Michael Strader, of Bloomer, was detained by Officers. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was located on his person. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and an illegal short-barreled shotgun.

Strader is facing charges of possession with intent - cocaine, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, and bail jumping.

During his arraignment on Tuesday, he entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him. He’s scheduled to be back in court on August 6th.

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