MONONA, Wis. (WFRV) — A 29-year-old Wisconsin man was taken into custody early Tuesday after leading police on a high-speed chase.
According to a release, the incident occurred on Oct. 15 at approximately 1:15 a.m. when an officer with the Monona Police Department was monitoring traffic on Highway 12 near S. Towne Dr. The officer observed a vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit.
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The officer ran the Illinois license plates, but they initially did not return any results. Given the recent spate of auto thefts from Illinois dealerships, the officer became suspicious. The vehicle, a Maserati, fled as the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, prompting a pursuit.
The suspect, identified as Donte D. Hunter, 29, of Fitchburg, headed south on Highway 51 as the officer provided updates on the chase. The McFarland Police Department assisted by deploying a tire deflation device, successfully disabling the vehicle’s tires.
Hunter continued onto the on-ramp to westbound Highway 12 and Highway 51, where he hit a curb, veered off the road, and disabled the Maserati. He exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but surrendered after officers issued verbal warnings that K9 Jakko would be deployed.
Donte Hunter’s booking photo. (Dane County Jail)
No other occupants were in the vehicle, and there were no reported injuries or property damage during the pursuit.
A search of the Maserati uncovered a small quantity of a substance that tested positive for heroin. The vehicle was not reported stolen but was impounded until authorities can determine the authorized owner.
Hunter was transported to the Dane County Jail, where he faces charges of felony attempted eluding and possession of heroin. He has prior felony convictions in Dane County.
“This morning, Mr. Hunter made poor decisions to possess heroin, drive at a dangerous speed, and attempt to elude officers in Monona,” said Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney. “The only correct decision he made was to promptly surrender once heeding the warning about K9 Jakko.”
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Chief Chaney added in a social media post, “Do not endanger yourself or others. Do not commit a felony. Just do better!”
At the time of publication, formal charges had not been filed in the Wisconsin Circuit Court. The incident remains under investigation, with no further details available.
