Downtown Fond du Lac pursuit damages multiple vehicles – suspect captured

On Friday, May 30th, 2025 at approximately 6:37 p.m. a Deputy with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle traveling over 50mph in the posted 25mph zone northbound on S. Main St. near E. 10th St. in the City of Fond du Lac. The vehicle was increasing speed and accelerated to over 80mph. The Deputy activated his emergency lights and siren in attempt to stop the vehicle, however the suspect continued increasing speed and failed to stop.

Weighing the options, a Sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office ordered termination of the pursuit over the radio, hoping that the suspect would decrease speed as they entered the busy downtown area on a Friday evening. Instead, the suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed northbound on Main St and near the intersection of Western Ave. passed multiple civilian vehicles by driving into the oncoming southbound lane. The suspect continued northbound on Main St. and near the intersection of Division St. struck a southbound SUV. The suspect vehicle continued northbound on N. Main St. and struck seven other civilian vehicles before coming to rest near the intersection of Merrill Ave. The suspect driver then exited the vehicle, which had started on fire, and surrendered to deputies. The first vehicle that was struck by the suspect also caught fire after the driver was out of the vehicle.

Sheriff’s Deputies and Officers with the City of Fond du Lac Police Department began to check for injuries, render aid, and work to suppress the fires in an overall scene that spanned a city block. Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue responded to the scene to address the vehicle fires and assist with injuries. Three injured occupants of vehicles that were struck were treated and released from the scene.

The suspect driver was taken into custody and transported via ambulance to St. Agnes Hospital to be evaluated for injuries. The suspect will be transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail on charges of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury, First Degree Reckless Endangering Safety, Operating While Revoked Due to Alcohol / Controlled Substance Refusal, Fleeing and Eluding an Officer, and three counts of Felony Bail Jumping. Suspected marijuana was located during a search of the vehicle, and additional charges may result after the investigation is complete.

The suspect driver was identified as a 19-year-old female from Green Bay. The female was out on two signature bonds out of Brown County for charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl, OWI (2nd), and Felony Bail Jumping. She was also out on a $250 cash bond out of Fond du Lac County for two counts of Felony Bail Jumping. Lastly, she was out on felony probation for Fleeing and Eluding as well as two counts of Bail Jumping out of Ozaukee County.

Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt adds, “This young suspect, who already has a lengthy criminal history, left a massive path of destruction in downtown Fond du Lac on a Friday evening. She

terrorized dozens of our citizens and visitors who were downtown to enjoy the start to the weekend. We’re thankful no one was killed, and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. This is the second serious and reckless high-speed crash along this stretch of Main Street already this year, and in this case a deputy was placed in a no-win situation – pursue and attempt to apprehend a reckless suspect who was likely to cause a crash, or terminate pursuit hoping the suspect would stop the reckless driving but knowing they would likely crash before doing so. We appreciate the prompt and coordinated response with our communications center, law enforcement, and fire/rescue partners who worked together to mitigate what could have been a very tragic situation tonight.”

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the City of Fond du Lac Police Department, Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue, City of Fond du Lac Department of Public Works, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crashes.