A 35-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested late Thursday night after a dramatic high-speed chase that concluded with a PIT maneuver in Eau Claire.
The Eau Claire Police Department reported that police attempted a traffic stop soon after 11 p.m. at North Hastings Way and Eddy Lane. The automobile, driven by Andrew Premo of Chippewa Falls, purportedly had license plates that did not match the vehicle, and the registered owner was believed to be incarcerated.
Premo failed to halt and fled from cops, resulting in a chase. The pursuit was initially called off after entering the Village of Lake Hallie in Chippewa County. The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office subsequently took control and continued the pursuit as the vehicle returned to Eau Claire.
Throughout the chase, authorities successfully deployed tire deflation devices. A PIT technique was employed to bring the car to a temporary halt near South Hastings Way and Clairemont Avenue. Premo attempted to leave again, but was immediately surrounded. Following a brief confrontation, he was arrested.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 41 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging materials, prescription medication, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.
While formal charges had not yet been filed at the time of publishing, Premo was arrested for the following possible offenses:
- Knowingly fleeing an officer
- Second-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of illegally obtained prescription drugs
- Possession of THC
No other information has been shared.
