ESCAPEE COULD FACE FELONY CHARGES
Monday, August 8th, 2011 -- 11:55 AM
The 18-year-old Neillsville man who led several local law enforcement agencies on a four-hour manhunt last week may have jumped out of the frying pan into the fire.Christopher DeMarrias triggered the search effort Friday after he allegedly assaulted a deputy while receiving medical care at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville. He fled, and was eventually apprehended at a residence on Moonlite Road, just west of Neillsville in the Town of Pine Valley.
While DeMarrias has a lengthy record, most of his convictions have been for minor offenses and he was in the Clark County Jail for a probation violation.
The case hasn?t come across the desk of Clark County District Attorney Darwin Zwieg yet, but he says someone alleged to have committed these crimes could face felony charges of battery to a police officer and escape, both carry a maximum sentence of 6 years in prison. He might also face a felony burglary charge for breaking into the house to avoid capture, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.
DeMarrias could also be required to pay restitution for the search, which included several law enforcement agencies, several police dogs and an airplane.
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