Wood County Man Arrested for 4th OWI After Stolen Car Pursuit

Dec 16, 2024 at 11:22 AM
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WBAY) - A significant incident unfolded late Sunday night on Interstate 41 as a Wood County man found himself in custody at the Winnebago County jail. The Wisconsin State Patrol received a notification around 10 p.m. regarding a stolen Toyota sedan from central Wisconsin, believed to be taken by Joshua Fuller.

Unraveling the Events of a High-Speed Chase in Wisconsin

Initial Incident and Stolen Vehicle

The evening took a dramatic turn when a citizen reported sighting the stolen Toyota sedan. Just 20 minutes later, a state trooper located it on I-41 and County Highway G in Winnebago County. However, when the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the driver, showing "poor driving behavior," ignored it and continued at highway speed. This set off a tense chase that would span several miles.

Such incidents highlight the importance of swift action by law enforcement to prevent potential harm and recover stolen property. The stolen vehicle became the center of attention as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.

Deployment of Stop Sticks and Aftermath

Nine miles down the road, a Grand Chute police officer took decisive action by deploying stop sticks on I-41 at College Avenue. This strategic move slowly deflated the pursued car's tires, eventually bringing the vehicle to a halt.

After being checked at a local hospital due to signs of impairment, Joshua Fuller, 38, had his blood drawn as crucial evidence. He is now being held in Winnebago County on multiple charges, including OWI 4th offense and eluding an officer. Additionally, he is under investigation in Wood County for stolen firearms, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with stolen vehicles and the potential dangers associated with such pursuits. It also emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to prevent and solve such crimes.