Back to court for man who led deputies on two-county chase

MILWAUKEE (WITI) — A Milwaukee man charged in connection with a high-speed chase that began in Sheboygan County and ended in Manitowoc County is due in court Wednesday, April 23rd.

52-year-old Jeffery Bridges of Milwaukee faces one count of attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer (repeater) — a felony charge.

It all started on April 15th, just before 8:00 p.m., when a Sheboygan County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on Taylor Drive near the on-ramp to I-43 northbound from State Highway 28.

This traffic stop was in relation to a retail theft that occurred at the Home Depot in the Village of Kohler.

A criminal complaint in the case says the vehicle was later found to be driven by Bridges.

The complaint says Bridges pulled over to the right — but didn’t stop, and proceeded to accelerate. The vehicle got on the on-ramp to I-43 northbound with the deputy following. The complaint says the vehicle failed to stop — despite the deputy following with his lights and sirens activated.

The complaint says Bridges’ vehicle continued northbound on I-43 — mostly in the left lane, at a speed of approximately 115 miles-per-hour.

When Bridges got to State Highway 23, the complaint says he exited onto the frontage ramp which goes to both State Highway 23, eastbound and westbound. The vehicle passed both of the eastbound and westbound exits, which subsequently placed the vehicle back onto I-43 northbound from State Highway 23.

Bridges continued north on I-43 — at speeds varying between 110 and 120 miles-per-hour — primarily in the left lane. The complaint says the deputy following Bridges called out to officials in Manitowoc County. A Manitowoc County deputy was set up near County Road C with road spikes.

Manitowoc County officials were able to successfully deploy the traffic spikes — causing the vehicle’s tires to start deflating.

The complaint says the vehicle exited at County Road C and headed eastbound — making an immediate left-hand turn to travel northbound on County Road CR in Manitowoc County.

At this point, the complaint says all four of the vehicles’ tires were deflated — and it appeared that the driver was having trouble keeping control of the vehicle.

The vehicle stopped about 300 feet north of the intersection on County Road CR.

The complaint says the driver of the vehicle opened the door and laid on the shoulder after the vehicle stopped.

Two passengers were detained without incident — and Bridges was taken into custody without incident.

If convicted in this case, Bridges faces a maximum of three years and six months in prison and/or a maximum of $10,000 in fines.