MONONA, Wis. (WFRV) – An officer sustained serious injuries when a tow truck that was being pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies in southern Wisconsin crashed into their squad car during a lengthy chase.
A release provided by the Monona Police Department states that the incident began just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, when authorities got word of a recklessly driving tow truck on Highway 51.
The witness reportedly stated that the tow truck nearly hit multiple vehicles before pulling into a gas station on East Broadway.
2 pronounced dead, 1 hospitalized in head-on crash on Wisconsin State Highway
Officers with Monona PD arrived at the gas station; however, the driver fled. After the tow truck drove over several curbs, sidewalks, and other parking lots, additional agencies were called in to assist.
At one time during the pursuit, officers say a sedan that was on the tow truck’s flatbed slid off the truck and onto the road.
The tow truck continued through the area of Highway 51, Broadway, Monona Drive, and several other roads while allegedly driving through ditches, crossing medians, going through parking lots, driving over bushes, and sidewalks.
Shortly after, the tow truck swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a Madison Police Department squad car, seriously injuring the officer inside.
After crashing into the squad car, the tow truck driver jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, officers say.
Following a brief foot chase, the suspect, 36-year-old Christopher P. Brugger of Madison, was taken into custody. It was noted that Brugger had an outstanding Probation and Parole warrant.
Brugger was arrested on the following charges:
- Felony Eluding
- Reckless Driving
- Resisting an Officer
- Multiple traffic violations
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol are leading the investigation into the crash with the Madison squad.
No additional details were provided.
