CHARGED: Man accused of killing cab driver, leading police on high-speed chase

LA CROSSE (AP) — Criminal charges have been filed in La Crosse County against a man accused of killing a cab driver and leading police on a high-speed chase.

Prosecutors say Timmy Johnson Jr. admitted killing 79-year-old Merle Forbes in June after calling him for a ride in Platteville.

Johnson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed robbery.

He's accused of stabbing Forbes and putting him in the trunk of the taxi.

The La Crosse Tribune reports a criminal complaint says Johnson could hear the dying man moaning in the trunk as he headed for La Crosse. Police say Johnson fled from a La Crosse police officer who had checked the vehicle's registration.

Authorities say speeds reached 115 mph before Johnson hit an SUV in Holmen and was arrested.