Two Runaways Taken Into Custody After High Speed Chase in Wood County

Thursday, August 20th, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

Two runaways were taken into custody after a high speed chase in Wood County.

On Tuesday, August 18th, around 7:42pm, a Flock camera utilized by the Portage County Sheriff's Department flagged a vehicle listed as stolen from the State of Iowa. The stolen vehicle was westbound on State Highway 54 nearing Wood County/Town of Grand Rapids.

A Grand Rapids officer observed the vehicle and waited until the vehicle cleared a construction zone before attempting a traffic stop. By this time Wood County deputies and Wisconsin Rapids officers were also in the area.

Upon attempting the traffic stop the vehicle fled westbound on STH 54 at high speed, disregarding a red traffic light at STH 54/Washington ST. A Wisconsin Rapids officer attempted to utilize tire spikes, but was unable to deploy them as speeds at this time were well in excess of 100 MPH.

The vehicle passed within 15-20 feet of the officer who was out of the vehicle on foot. The vehicle failed to negotiate the right turn onto Riverview Expressway (westbound) and struck the median, disabling itself.

Realizing the vehicle was inoperable except at very slow speed, both the male driver and male passenger fled the vehicle on foot. Both were eventually apprehended.

Investigation revealed that the driver, a 15-year-old male who won’t be named due to his age unless waived into adult court, was listed as a runaway from the State of Kansas, where he had stolen a parent's vehicle and picked up the 18-year-old male, Jonathan Vangenderen of Enterprise, Kansas.

The pair ended up in Des Moines, Iowa, where their first stolen vehicle became disabled. They then found an unlocked vehicle in a church parking lot in Des Moines, which they stole and drove to Wisconsin.

Due to the Flock camera notification, the pair's vehicle thefts would not continue. No person reported any injuries from this incident. Charges via juvenile referral include Felony Fleeing, Recklessly Endangering Safety, and Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Owner's Consent.

He was placed into secure detention in the custody of Human Services. Vangenderen was taken to the Wood County Jail on a probation hold and will have similar charges requested as Party to a Crime.

The other States and jurisdictions affected by this incident will likely have their own charges. The Grand Rapids Police Department, Wood County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, and Nieman's Towing were involved or assisted in this incident.

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