35-year-old Fond du Lac man arrested after assault and short manhunt

On, Monday, April 22, 2024 at approximately 12:25 p.m., the City of Fond du Lac Police Department responded to the 600 block of East Merrill Avenue for a report of an individual who was destroying property and physically assaulted another individual inside the home. The 35-year-old Fond du Lac male suspect was driven by his girlfriend to SSM Health – St. Agnes Hospital as officers were responding to the home.    

Police responded to SSM Health and observed that the man was exhibiting bizarre and erratic behaviors, severe agitation, and violence towards others.  At one point the suspect slammed his girlfriend into the side of the vehicle and then ran into the driver’s seat and drove out of the hospital parking lot at a high rate of speed, nearly striking a responding police officer, according to traffic on the police radio.   

As Fond du Lac Police and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Deputies started to flood the area, the suspect made his way to Dairy Queen at 387 Fond du Lac Avenue where he entered the food service area without permission and two employees received minor injuries as they attempted to stop him from accessing the storage area before pushing him out of the restaurant.

The suspect fled again in the vehicle and a Fond du Lac Police Officer observed the vehicle enter the neighborhood area around the South Hills Golf & Country Club.  Police deployed a K-9 team and two drone units in the area while officers and deputies set-up a perimeter.  The vehicle was located crashed on a pedestrian/golf cart bridge on the golf course. 

A homeowner in the area observed the suspect run behind their house and quickly alerted law enforcement.  officers located the man and took him into custody without incident.

The man was transported by Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue to SSM Health. 

The suspect is facing multiple charges and was transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail after being medically cleared.

No further details or information have been released at this time.