Jason Hawley Jr., said to have reached speeds of up to 119 m.p.h.

By Eileen Persike
Editor

A $25,000 cash bond has been set for an 18-year old Rhinelander man charged in connection with a nearly 20-mile high-speed chase Tuesday night.

Jason N. Hawley Jr. appeared in Oneida County Circuit Court Thursday. Among multiple traffic citations, Hawley is charged with hit and run, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, take and drive vehicle without consent and eluding an officer.

According to the criminal complaint, Hawley was seen driving a red Ford pickup truck by the vehicle’s owners who had reported it stolen Aug. 11. Rhinelander police officers reportedly located the truck driving north on Brown Street, and followed it as it drove through the city and throughout Pine Lake, allegedly reaching a speeds up to 119 miles per hour, crossing the center line and driving through stop signs and traffic lights, at one point striking a parked vehicle. Hawley reportedly slowed and pulled over on HWY 8 E near Slizewski Road and was taken into custody.

Hawley next appears in court Aug. 27 for an adjourned initial appearance.