Wisconsin stolen semi chase, fire; driver arrested after 50 miles
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin authorities chased a stolen semi more than 50 miles before it started on fire and eventually crashed Friday, Aug. 25.
According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the semi was stolen from a Monroe County area business around 2 p.m. The owner tracked the semi's location via GPS, and authorities found it on eastbound I-94 in Jackson County – initiating a pursuit.
State troopers and other agencies used tire deflation devices and an armored tactical vehicle during the chase. Authorities tried to contact the driver to stop, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
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The semi kept driving – operating on its tire rims, which caused the back of the semi to start on fire. The chase eventually ended when the semi crashed near Wisconsin Dells. The driver, identified as Michael Jones of St. Louis, was then arrested. He faces the following charges in Juneau County:
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety
- False imprisonment
- Attempting to flee/elude an officer
- Take and drive commercial vehicle without consent
- Resisting an officer
- Criminal damage to property (2 counts)
Michael Jones
In addition to the Wisconsin State Patrol, eight other law enforcement agencies and three fire departments were involved.