WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – A 33-year-old man was arrested Wednesday on several outstanding warrants after a 16-mile chase where he rammed a squad car and speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour through Wood County into Portage County.
The driver, Jesse James Koltz of Wisconsin Rapids, was arrested on several outstanding felony warrants including a felony warrant for OWI, several felony bail jumping, operating while revoked, and ignition interlock device tapering/failure to install.
According to a news release from Wood County Sheriff’s Office, the chase started after an attempt by a sergeant to stop a vehicle in the City of Wisconsin Rapids at about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The Sergeant had knowledge that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and had several outstanding felony warrants, the news release stated. During the initial attempt to perform a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle was driving erratically.
The release also stated:
The chase covered nearly 16 miles, the operator of the suspect vehicle rammed an occupied Wood County Sheriff’s Department squad and continued driving. Speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour. The chase entered private property in Portage County and the driver drove through a wooded area before fleeing on foot. He was arrested a short time later.
In addition to the warrants, Koltz is facing the following charges as a result of the police chase:
- Operating While Intoxicated-4th Offense
- Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony Fleeing from an Officer
- Carry a Concealed Weapon
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Narcotic
- Possession with Intent to Deliver THC
- Felony Bail Jumping – 3 Counts Misdemeanor Bail Jumping
- 3 Counts Operating While Revoked
- Failure to install IID
The Wood County Sheriff’s Department was assisted in the Pursuit by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Port Edwards Police Department, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wood County Dispatch Center.
