Police Chase and Multi-Vehicle Crash in Downtown Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Results in Three Injuries on Christmas Day

A high-stakes police pursuit in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin culminated in a serious multi-vehicle collision and subsequent arrest on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024. The incident began around 8:30 AM when the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received reports of domestic violence involving a 36-year-old convicted felon who allegedly assaulted a woman and stole her handgun while making threats against her life. After locating the suspect's vehicle at approximately 11:30 AM, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect fled at high speed toward the victim's residence. The brief pursuit ended when the suspect's vehicle collided with two other cars at the intersection of E. Arndt Street and N. Park Avenue. Following the crash, the suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended in the backyard of a residence on the 200 block of E. Follett Street. Three bystanders sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the collision. Officers recovered a handgun from the suspect's vehicle, and he was transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail facing multiple criminal charges.

The intersection of E. Arndt Street and N. Park Avenue represents a crucial junction in downtown Fond du Lac's transportation network, connecting residential neighborhoods with the city's commercial district. This area typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic flow during daytime hours, particularly given its proximity to several local businesses and community facilities. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and features marked crosswalks for pedestrian safety. E. Arndt Street serves as a primary east-west corridor through the city, while N. Park Avenue provides important north-south access. The residential nature of the surrounding area, including the nearby E. Follett Street where the suspect was apprehended, means that foot traffic and local vehicle movement are common throughout the day.

Under Wisconsin law, this incident potentially involves multiple criminal violations, including felony fleeing and eluding (Wisconsin Statute 346.04), reckless endangerment (Wisconsin Statute 941.30), and weapons charges for a felon in possession of a firearm (Wisconsin Statute 941.29). Victims of crashes resulting from police pursuits may have various avenues for compensation, including claims against the at-fault driver's insurance and potentially their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, allowing injured parties to recover damages as long as they are not more than 51% at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the incident, making timely legal consultation crucial for protecting potential claims. An experienced Fond du Lac personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources: Fond du Lac Police Department: (920) 906-5555 Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue: (920) 322-3800 Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Crash Reports: (608) 266-8753 Fond du Lac County Victim/Witness Assistance: (920) 929-3048 Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region: (920) 929-3700 Wisconsin State Law Library - Traffic Laws: https://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/traffic.php ASTOP Sexual Assault Services (Domestic Violence Support): (920) 926-5395