Area law enforcement worked together to bring a high-speed pursuit to a close in the early morning hours of March 25, 2017, with no injuries reported.
According to a Barron County Sheriff's Department activity log, on March 24, 2017, at approximately 11:00 PM, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Joshua Denetz of Frederic, WI. The log states that at around 11:11 PM, Denetz “ran”.
Officers initiated a search but were not able to immediately locate Denetz. Officers went to an address on 1st avenue at around midnight and then again around 1:30 AM. At 1:47 AM, a 911 call was received by Barron County Dispatch from a female stating that “the subject” was “back out at the residence” and apparently driving through her back yard.
The log continues stating that within minutes officers were on Highway 48, traveling eastbound towards the city of Rice Lake, WI in pursuit of Denetz at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (mph).
Law enforcement placed spike strips on Highway 48 near Bargain Bills in Rice Lake to attempt to stop the vehicle. Denetz drove over the strips around 1:55 AM and the tires on his vehicle were damaged, resulting in the loss of one tire approximately a minute later, however, this did not stop the vehicle.
Denetz continued to flee traveling through the City of Rice Lake southbound on Main Street at speeds reaching 57 mph, before losing an additional tire, according to the log.
Denetz left Rice Lake by way of Highway SS, heading southbound towards the city of Cameron, WI at speeds of up to 90 mph.
Once in Cameron, WI, Denetz turned onto Highway 8 and headed eastbound towards Rusk County.
Rusk County Dispatch was advised at that time of the high-speed chase. Law enforcement continued the pursuit, with Denetz traveling up 80 mph once again, crossing the center line and driving in the wrong lane of traffic at times.
Shortly after 2 AM, Denetz crossed the Rusk County Line and continued on to the city of Weyerhauser, WI, where he slowed and officers were ultimately able to end the pursuit with a felony stop near North 1st Street and take Denetz into custody. Rusk County had EMS were on standby, however, their services were not required and Denetz was transported to the Barron County jail.
(Approximate route of pursuit)
Denetz faces possible criminal charges for 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – Utter Disregard for Human Life, a Class F Felony; Knowingly Flee an Officer; and Felony Bail Jump.
Public record shows that Denetz has an open criminal court case in Barron County. Barron County Circuit Court issued an arrest warrant for Denetz on 3/3/17, where he is charged with 2 Counts of Felony Forgery, filed on 2/3/17.
At the time of this post, Denetz remains in the custody of the Barron County Sheriff's Office.
DrydenWire.com reminds our readers that individuals arrested for a crime are presumed innocent until convicted by a judge or jury.
Last Update: Mar 25, 2017 4:56 pm CDT
