Sheriff: Fleeing Vehicle Causes Gas Leak

Press Release –

Driver Faces 4th OWI Charge

At 12:24 a.m. Wednesday, Wood County Deputies were on State Highway 13 in the township of Saratoga conducting a traffic stop. During this time, they observed a northbound Dodge Caravan changing lanes erratically and traveling at a high rate of speed.

After completing the traffic stop, they located the van in a parking lot in the City of Wisconsin Rapids at the intersection of 8th Street South and Two Mile Ave.

Wood County Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the van, but the driver of the vehicle rapidly accelerated and fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued southbound on State Highway 13 into the Township of Saratoga and left the roadway near the intersection of State Highway 13 and Townline Road.

The vehicle traveled in the west ditch of State Highway 13 before coming to a rest after striking a local business. The driver fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later.

After the crash, it was discovered the vehicle struck a gas meter for the business, causing a gas leak. For safety reasons, several residents in the area were evacuated until WE Energies was able to address the gas leak and deem the area safe.

Alliant Energy also disconnected electrical services in the area as a precaution. All north and southbound lanes of State Highway 13 were closed for approximately 3.5 hours in this area while the utilities were being restored and the incident was being investigated. Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.

The driver, 30 year-old Stuart McGregor Jr. of Hancock, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported by Wisconsin Rapids Ambulance to Aspirus Riverview for injuries sustained in the crash. His condition is unknown at this time.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Nekoosa Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin Rapids Ambulance, Grand Rapids Fire Department, Saratoga First Responders, Wood County Highway Department, WE Energies and Alliant Energy.

The driver will face charges of OWI 4th offense, fleeing, and operating after revocation.