Lost, elderly man takes Fond du Lac County officials on overnight pursuit before crashing vehicle

On Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at approximately 10:44 p.m., a deputy with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle traveling southbound on I-41 with no taillights illuminated. The vehicle was observed weaving within its lane, crossing lane dividers, and driving onto the shoulder. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and siren near USH-151; however, the vehicle failed to yield and continued southbound at normal highway speeds.

The vehicle exited I-41 at County Highway B and disregarded the stop sign at the end of the off-ramp. The driver proceeded across a grassy median and traveled in the wrong direction in the eastbound lane of County Highway B. Due to the continued failure to stop and dangerous driving behavior, deputies attempted to perform a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT).

The vehicle accelerated away from deputies through the intersection of State Highway 175 and County Highway B and struck a traffic sign on the west shoulder of Highway 175. The vehicle then entered the west ditch line and continued accelerating before striking two trees, disabling the vehicle.

Upon approach, deputies observed the driver continuing to press the accelerator, causing the tires to spin at a high rate. The driver, an 85-year-old male from Oshkosh, exited the vehicle and was cooperative. Deputies noted the driver appeared confused and disoriented, stating he was lost and attempting to return to Oshkosh.

The incident is believed to be related to a possible medical issue. The estimated distance of the pursuit was approximately 3 miles. The driver sustained a minor laceration to the head as a result of the crash and was released to a family member.

There was property damage to multiple trees on a private landowner’s property and to the fail-to-yield vehicle.

A Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office squad received minor damage as a result of the attempted PIT maneuver.