January 1, 2024 – Dodge Co., WI – At 10:19 p.m. on December 31, 2023, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received information that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had been involved in a pursuit in their county on Hwy 26 near Hwy 19. The pursuit had been terminated by Jefferson County and the information passed on to Dodge County Sheriff.
The vehicle was located by Dodge County Deputies on Hwy 26 and a traffic stop was attempted. The vehicle fled at speeds reaching 110 mph. Tire deflation devices (spikes) were utilized, however, the vehicle continued to flee, eventually fleeing on the rims of the vehicle.
The pursuit came to an end after entering the Village of Lowell and traveling north on N. River St which is a dead end. The driver fled on foot and the passenger was taken into custody immediately. The passenger, Sara Champion, 39, of Beloit, was arrested and transported to the Dodge County Jail for Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The driver was later located in the vicinity and was treated for hypothermia after he fell into the river and also had bumps, bruises, and scrapes after falling while running from deputies.
The driver, identified as Johnny Shawver, 35, of Janesville, was arrested on warrants, Operating after Revocation, Felony Fleeing, and at the time of this release an investigation into potential impairment is underway but no arrest has been made at this point.
This pursuit tied up a number of resources and the actions of these individuals put the motoring public in harms way, for which the subjects are now being held accountable. Assisting the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in this incident was the Beaver Dam Police Department, Clyman/Lowell/Reeseville EMS, and Lifestar EMS.
It is important to note that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lock them up and throw away the key!