MONONA, Wis. (WFRV) – Police in Wisconsin are seeking additional charges against a tow truck driver who allegedly led a lengthy pursuit that left one officer seriously injured.
In an updated release by the Monona Police Department, officials intend to submit the following charges against 36-year-old Christopher Brugger of Madison, who was arrested on Saturday, September 27:
- Felony First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony Operating After Revocation Causing Great Bodily Harm
- Felony Hit and Run Causing Great Bodily Harm
- Felony Attempted Eluding
- Misdemeanor Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer
- Six Counts of Reckless Driving
- Five Counts of Failure to Stop at Red Signal
- Five Counts of Unreasonable and Imprudent Speed
- Five Counts of Unsafe Lane Deviation
- Three Counts of Failure to Stop at Stop Sign
- Two Counts of Violation of Driving on Divided Highway Regulated
- Two Counts of Improper Left Turn
- One Count of Illegal U-Turn
- One Count of Unsecured Load
- One Count of Operating with Expired Registration
The Wisconsin State Patrol and the Monona Police Department worked together in investigating the incident, with charges of felony fourth OWI, felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor resisting/obstructing.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is referring a charge of felony first-degree reckless injury. Brugger had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday, as officers were alerted to a tow truck driving recklessly on Highway 51, nearly hitting multiple vehicles before entering a gas station parking lot.
Monona Police Officers arrived at the gas station, and Brugger fled, driving over multiple curbs and sidewalks. A sedan on the flatbed slid onto the road from the truck during the pursuit.
Brugger reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic, crashing into a Madison squad car, which left an officer seriously injured, and he fled on foot. He was taken into custody following the short foot chase.
47-year-old Outagamie County woman killed in crash, 19-year-old seriously injured
According to the updated release, Monona has a long history of criminal convictions with nearly two dozen in the public record.
Part of the pursuit is available in this clip from the Monona Police Department.
