Medical Issue Contributes to Vehicle Chase

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s officials believe an 85-year-old Oshkosh man that led them on a three mile pursuit late Thursday night may have been experiencing a medical issue.

A deputy observed the man’s vehicle heading south on I-41 with no taillights illuminated. It was weaving in its lane, crossing lane dividers, and driving onto the shoulder. The vehicle failed to yield when the deputy tried to pull it over and continued south at normal highway speeds.

It exited at County Highway B and went through a stop sign. At the intersection of State Highway 175 and County Highway B the vehicle struck a traffic sign. It then entered a ditch and struck two trees disabling the vehicle. When deputies approached the driver still was trying to accelerate the car, causing the tires to spin.

When the man exited the vehicle he was cooperative. Deputies noted he appeared confused and disoriented, saying he was lost and trying to return to Oshkosh. The man suffered a minor cut to his head and was released to a family member.

There was property damage to multiple trees on private property and the man’s vehicle. A Sheriff’s squad also had minor damage from an attempted PIT Maneuver.