GRAND RAPIDS, WI (OnFocus) – A 47-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man was arrested late Monday after authorities say he fled from officers during a traffic stop, drove at high speeds through the Town of Grand Rapids and the City of Wisconsin Rapids, and later struggled with law enforcement during his arrest.
According to a press release from the Grand Rapids Police Department, officers attempted to stop a maroon GMC truck driven by Daniel L. Erdman at about 11:18 p.m. Monday for an alleged speeding violation near Lake Avenue and 32nd Street in the Town of Grand Rapids.
Police said Erdman accelerated after officers activated their emergency lights, leading officers on a pursuit while allegedly disregarding stop signs, including at State Highway 54. The pursuit continued into the City of Wisconsin Rapids with assistance from the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.
During the pursuit, authorities said Erdman stopped at one intersection, where a female passenger attempted to get out of the vehicle. Officers reported it appeared Erdman was attempting to physically prevent her from exiting. Police said he then drove away with the woman’s leg partially outside the vehicle before stopping again and allowing her to leave with a dog. Neither the woman nor the dog required medical treatment, according to the release.
Authorities said Erdman continued fleeing at high speeds and at one point drove northbound in the wrong lane on 8th Street/State Highway 13.
When conditions allowed, a Wood County sheriff’s deputy performed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), successfully disabling the truck, according to police. Erdman then exited the vehicle and fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later. The deputy sustained minor injuries during the arrest, police said. Erdman declined medical treatment.
Grand Rapids police arrested Erdman on allegations of seventh-offense operating while intoxicated, fleeing or eluding an officer, and battery or threat to a law enforcement officer.
Police also said Erdman is subject to a 0.02 blood alcohol concentration restriction because of six previous OWI convictions and has a revoked driver’s license due to an alcohol-related driving offense.
The Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and Nieman’s Towing also assisted at the scene.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Author: News Desk
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