OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – A 46-year-old Neenah man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving recklessly in Oshkosh on Wednesday, including jumping a roundabout, driving on sidewalks, and refusing to stop for officers.
According to the Oshkosh Police Department, officers responded around 2:09 p.m. on July 9 to a reckless driving complaint near Highway 41 south and Oshkosh Avenue. A witness reported that a vehicle nearly ran another car off the road and was swerving between lanes.
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The vehicle then exited onto West Ninth Avenue, possibly hit a retaining wall, jumped a roundabout at the top of the off-ramp, and proceeded to drive on sidewalks, police said.
The vehicle was also reportedly involved in a single-car crash earlier in Winnebago County. A citizen followed the car to a parking lot near Witzel Avenue and South Koeller Street, where officers located it at a nearby gas station.
An officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect allegedly ignored commands and drove through the parking lot. The officer positioned their squad car in front of the suspect’s vehicle to block its path onto Witzel Avenue. However, the driver reportedly exited the car, refused to comply, got back in, and drove around the squad car and over a terrace onto Witzel Avenue.
Due to what officers described as ongoing dangerous behavior, a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle was stopped within a few blocks, and the driver was taken into custody.
The suspect is facing the following charges:
- Felony eluding
- Resisting or obstructing an officer
- Operating while intoxicated (2nd offense)
- Operating after license revocation
- Failure to install an ignition interlock device
- Open intoxicants in a motor vehicle
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700.