July 12, 2025 – Washington County, WI – On the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025, a citizen reported a red Ford Explorer SUV traveling southbound on Interstate 41 from Sherman Road, weaving through traffic and nearly striking other vehicles. Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately to the report.
A deputy stationed in an emergency crossover observed the suspect vehicle traveling at an estimated 100 MPH while recklessly changing lanes without signaling. The deputy attempted a traffic stop using emergency lights and sirens, but the driver responded erratically, swerving between lanes and briefly stopping on the shoulder near Highway 167 before reversing toward the deputy’s squad car.
Assistance was requested by the Germantown Police Department who arrived on scene to support what was determined to be a high-risk stop. Despite repeated commands issued via PA system and direct verbal orders, the operator failed to comply and then fled the stop, initiating a high-speed pursuit.
The pursuit concluded in front of 2900 Highway 167 (Kwik Trip in Richfield), where a Germantown Police officer successfully executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT maneuver) to stop the suspect vehicle. The driver, who refused to exit the vehicle voluntarily, was forcibly removed by law enforcement.
The suspect, a 52-year-old female from Crandon Wisconsin, told deputies she was experiencing an anxiety attack and was subsequently evaluated and released at the scene by Richfield Fire Department personnel.
Indicators of impairment were observed, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, odor of intoxicants, and balance issues. She refused to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was subsequently arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) – Fourth Offense at approximately 5:53 PM.
The driver has two open felony cases in Forest and Lincoln Counties and is now facing the following additional charges in Washington County:
• Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Felony)
• Two Counts of Felony Bail Jumping
• Resisting/Obstructing an Officer
• Fleeing/Eluding an Officer
• Operating While Suspended
• Operating While Under the Influence – Fourth Offense
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Germantown Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Richfield Fire Department for their swift and coordinated response during this incident.
“This individual’s reckless actions put countless lives at risk during peak travel hours,” said Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis. “Thanks to the quick coordination between our deputies, Germantown Police, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, we were able to bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion. We remain committed to holding repeat offenders accountable and keeping our highways safe.”