Driver of vehicle stolen from fitness center in Appleton arrested in Slinger after pursuit, crash

SLINGER -- A vehicle stolen from a fitness center in Appleton crashed into a utility pole in Slinger on Wednesday, July 13th.

Officials with the Washington County Sheriff's Office say this all began around 11:30 a.m., when they were notified of a vehicle driving recklessly -- headed southbound on I-41 from Washington County.

Less than 10 minutes later, the suspect vehicle was observed on I-41, just south of County Highway K in the Town of Polk, and a traffic stop was initiated.

Officials say the female driver failed to yield and exited I-41 at State Highway 144 at a high rate of speed --  heading into Slinger.

Slinger police then assisted with this pursuit.

The pursuit was terminated when the vehicle was spotted being operated in a reckless manner in Slinger around 11:40 a.m.

Deputies learned the vehicle had been stolen from a fitness center in Appleton earlier Wednesday.

The suspect vehicle was spotted in several other locations south of State Highway 60 in the Town of Polk after the pursuit was terminated.

Deputies observed the vehicle being operated in a reckless manner and did not re-initiate the pursuit.

Just before noon, a deputy came upon crash involving a single vehicle at State Highway 60 and Slinger Road in Slinger.

The vehicle had crashed into a We Energies utility pole in the intersection -- and the female driver was attempting to flee the scene on foot.

The driver was taken into custody without incident.

Officials say she refused to identify herself to deputies. She was arrested for eluding an officer and taken to the hospital for an impairment assessment and treatment of minor injuries.

The Wisconsin State Patrol was requested to conduct the crash investigation.

Slinger Road south of State Highway 60 was closed to facilitate utility pole repair.

Deputies, with the assistance of the Appleton Police Department, believe they have identified the driver.

Criminal charges of OWI, operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent and eluding an officer will be forwarded to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

The incident remains under investigation.