A wanted 40-year-old Wisconsin man was apprehended on August 17, 2026, after a 12-mile high-speed chase ended with him fleeing into a cornfield, initiating a five-hour manhunt assisted by K9 units and drones. The incident began at 2:26 p.m. when authorities were alerted that the suspect had fled from the City of Fond du Lac Police Department.
A Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office deputy located the suspect's vehicle traveling south on Highway 175 and attempted to initiate a stop, but the driver refused to comply and sped away. Dash camera footage captured the pursuit as it continued across several county roads.
Pursuit and Escape
Another deputy successfully deployed a tire-deflation device, which disabled the suspect vehicle's tires. Shortly after, the suspect bailed out of the moving car and ran toward a subdivision, with a Fond du Lac police officer pursuing on foot. The suspect then disappeared into a dense cornfield, making it difficult for officers to maintain visual contact.
Due to safety concerns, officers ceased the foot pursuit and established a perimeter. Drones from both the Fond du Lac Police Department and the Sheriff's Office were deployed, but the thick foliage initially hindered their ability to locate the man. Multiple K9 teams also joined the search.
Apprehension
Around 6:30 p.m., sheriff's office personnel observed the man attempting to exit the cornfield near Reinhardt Road. He retreated back into the field when officers approached. Despite loudspeaker announcements, the suspect did not respond.
Subsequently, a K9 was deployed near the man's last known location. A drone operator then spotted him from above and guided an arrest team. The suspect continued to evade officers and the K9 for approximately 300 yards through the cornfield before being directed toward waiting officers near Paradise Lane.
The man was taken into custody without incident around 7:45 p.m. and transferred to Fond du Lac police. The entire incident spanned over five hours.
Charges and Background
The Fond du Lac man faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and felony bail jumping. He was reportedly on probation for cocaine possession and possession of a firearm by a felon and had an active Wisconsin Department of Corrections warrant for a probation violation. He also has two pending felony cases in Fond du Lac County related to drug possession and weapons charges.
Two Fond du Lac County patrol vehicles sustained damage during the pursuit, and a sheriff's deputy and a Fond du Lac police officer suffered minor injuries. No private property was damaged during the incident.