GRAND RAPIDS, Wis. — A 47-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit while driving under the influence Monday night.
According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, officers attempted to stop a speeding pickup truck driven by Daniel Erdman. Instead of pulling over, investigators say Erdman accelerated, ran multiple stop signs—including one at Highway 54—and continued fleeing into the City of Wisconsin Rapids.
The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. During the chase, authorities said Erdman briefly stopped at an intersection as a female passenger attempted to exit the vehicle. Investigators allege Erdman tried to prevent her from leaving before driving away again while her leg was partially outside the truck. He later stopped and allowed the woman to exit while she was carrying a dog. Neither the woman nor the dog was injured.
Police said Erdman continued fleeing at high speeds and, at one point, drove on the wrong side of the roadway. The pursuit ended when a Wood County Sheriff’s deputy successfully used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the truck.
After the vehicle stopped, investigators say Erdman attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody. A deputy sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
Erdman was booked into the Wood County Jail and is facing charges including Operating While Intoxicated (7th Offense), Fleeing an Officer, and Battery to a Law Enforcement Officer. The case remains under investigation.
