By Joe Bachman

A warrant has been issued for a 21-year-old Wisconsin Rapids native who failed to show up for court on Sept. 23.

Benjamin Bennett, of Wisconsin Rapids, faces charges of fleeing or eluding an officer, his third offense of operating while intoxicated, and tampering with an ignition interlock device.

According to police reports, on Jun. 4, an officer was dispatched to the area of County Highway Q in regards to reports that the defendant was allegedly administered a Narcan shot after overdosing on heroin, and was operating a vehicle. The officer located the vehicle and turned on the car’s emergency lights, however, Bennett’s vehicle maintained speeds of over 100 mph, and police lost sight of the defendant’s car.

A call was received from dispatch later that night to inform them that Bennett had returned home, where police later made contact with him. Bennett allegedly told police that he saw the emergency lights, and that he did in fact overdose on heroin a few hours before that, and was given a Narcan shot by his girlfriend.

Bennett was taken to a medical facility shortly after where methamphetamine was found in his blood. Police also found that Bennett did not have an ignition interlock device on his vehicle which is required from previous charges of operating while intoxicated.

If convicted, Bennett faces up to three years and six months imprisonment for fleeing an officer. Bennett also faces up to seven years imprisonment for previous charges of narcotics and methamphetamine possession.

If you know there whereabouts of this person, call the Wood County Sheriff’s Department at 715-421-8700. Wood County emphasizes to not attempt to apprehend anyone wanted by police.