For the Star Journal

RHINELANDER – The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver they say led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit through Rhinelander Nov. 4.  Daniel Thunder, 51 of Neopit, is awaiting an initial appearance in Oneida County Court in connection with the incident.

According to the sheriff’s office, several charges have been referred to the district attorney’s office, including operating while intoxicated, second degree reckless endangering safety, felony fleeing, physical abuse of an elder, operating while license suspended, hit and run and others.

The chase began on Hwy 17 N at Chick-A-Dee Peek Road with Thunder reportedly striking a vehicle while attempting to pass in a no passing zone, striking the vehicle a second time, and then leading officers on a high-speed pursuit south on Hwy 17 into Rhinelander.

Thunder was arrested without incident after turning down a logging road near Camp Bryn Afon Road.  Rhinelander schools were placed on administrative lockdown during the pursuit. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Rhinelander Police Department.