Rhinelander schools put on administrative lockdown

For the Star Journal

RHINELANDER – The report of a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 17 N at Chick-A-Dee Peek Road led Oneida County deputies to a high speed pursuit Monday, Nov. 4. The chase led to Rhinelander Schools being placed on administrative lockdown.

According to the sheriff’s office, a caller stated the driver of a vehicle stuck the callers vehicle while attempting to pass in a no passing zone. Once the vehicles pulled over, the striking vehicle reportedly hit the caller again, with the caller indicating the driver of the striking vehicle was attempting to start an altercation.

Oneida County Deputies responded and observed the vehicle leaving the accident scene. When Oneida County Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle it accelerated and a pursuit was initiated.

According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle committed several traffic offenses, including reaching speeds of over 100 mph while continuing to travel south on Hwy 17 N. The vehicle then turned onto Stevens Street and continued into the city of Rhinelander at a high rate of speed. The operator also failed to stop for stop signs, traffic signals, operating in the oncoming lane of travel and passing on the right.

The vehicle turned onto Oneida Avenue and then onto Hwy 8 W where a short distance later an Oneida County Deputy performed a pursuit intervention technique successfully, however the operator drove out of the ditch and continued on Hwy 8 W. 

The operator continued east on Kemp Street and turned north on Oneida Avenue. The operator continued to Frederick Street then onto Baird Avenue then east on Timber Drive. The operator went east on Timber Drive and as the operator crossed Highway 17 N an Oneida County Deputy rammed the operator’s vehicle.

The operator continued down County Highway C. The operator then drove north onto the east end of Camp Brynn Afron Road. The operator then turned down a logging road and was taken into custody without incident.

During the pursuit, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Rhinelander Police Department.