High-speed chase in Rhinelander ends in arrest | News

Press release from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office:

On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was called to a two vehicle accident on Highway 17 N at Chick-a-Dee Peak Road. The caller reported that the driver of a hit-and-run vehicle hit the caller while attempting to drive into a restricted area. As the vehicles pulled up, the oncoming vehicle struck the caller again. The caller stated that the operator of the assault vehicle was trying to start an argument with the caller.

Oneida County deputies responded and observed a vehicle leaving the crash. When Oneida County deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, it accelerated and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle committed several traffic violations, including going over 100 mph while continuing southbound on Highway 17 N. The vehicle then turned onto Stevens Street and continued into the town of Rhinelander at a high rate of speed. The operator also did not stop at stop signs, traffic lights, moving in the oncoming lane and driving to the right. The vehicle turned onto Oneida Street and then onto Highway 8 W where a short time later an Oneida County Deputy successfully performed a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique), however the operator drove out of the ditch and continued on Highway 8 W. The operator continued eastbound on Camp -street and turned north onto Oneida Avenue. The operator continued on Frederick Street, then Bird Avenue, then east on Timber Drive. The operator drove east on Timber Drive and as the operator was crossing Highway 17 N, an Oneida County deputy rammed the operator’s vehicle. The operator continued on County Highway C. The operator then drove north to the east end of Camp Brinn Afron Road. The operator then turned onto a logging road and was detained without incident.

During this pursuit, Rhinelander schools were briefly placed on administrative lockdown.

The Rhinelander Police Department assisted the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit.