Columbia County police chase, shooting; Friendship man arrested
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. - Columbia County sheriff's deputies arrested a 62-year-old man following a police chase on Saturday evening, Jan. 4.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office was notified around 6 p.m. Saturday by Adams County of the man who was threatening suicide by cop and was armed with a firearm.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., a Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputy located the man's vehicle traveling west on I-90/94 in Columbia County. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle to check the male's welfare, the man failed to stop, and a police chase was initiated.
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As the pursuit continued west on I-90/94 at very high speeds, a Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputy was able to utilize a tire deflation device on the suspect's truck. The truck continued on, traveling onto northbound I-39 before entering the ditch and coming to a stop.
As deputies conducted a high-risk stop, the suspect fired a firearm at the deputies. Three Columbia County Sheriff's deputies returned fire at the suspect. Neither the suspect nor the deputies were struck by the gunfire.
Eventually, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody. The firearm used by the suspect was recovered at the scene.
The suspect was identified by officials as a 62-year-old Friendship man. He will face numerous charges in connection with this incident.
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Officials say there are likely many witnesses to this incident as it occurred during the busy evening travel time. If you witnessed this incident and have information to provide, you are urged to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 608-742-4166.