WISCONSIN (WFRV) – Two police officers were hospitalized after a suspect led them on a pursuit through a bike trail, severely damaging squad cars before being taken into custody Thursday morning.
Shortly before 6:45 a.m., a report came into the Eau Claire Police Department of a vehicle driving on a bike trail in Eau Claire.
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Authorities responded, and a police chase ensued, but officers initially terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns. However, the suspect continued driving recklessly, nearly hitting a pedestrian, jumping curbs, running stop signs, and driving into oncoming traffic on Eau Claire’s west side.
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Due to the ongoing danger, officers re-engaged in the pursuit. Attempts to stop the suspect resulted in several damaged squad cars before officers finally boxed in the vehicle in a field off Prospect Drive. The suspect refused to exit, leading officers to use non-lethal force before taking him into custody shortly after 7:15 a.m.
Two Eau Claire police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital. Authorities believe the suspect was under the influence of an intoxicant.
