By Joe Bachman

A 32-year-old Nekoosa man has been charged with first degree reckless endangerment after attempting to run a man over with his truck.

According to police reports, on March 4, an officer was dispatched to the 5200 block of Helke Rd. in response to an altercation. The 31-year-old complainant told police that earlier that day, a man identified as Drew Degeest came over to his residence to pick up a dirt bike.

After a disagreement, Degeest allegedly pushed the complainant to the ground, to which the victim responded by grabbing an ice chipper and striking Degeest in the back. Degeest soon entered his truck, as the complainant continued to cause damage to the truck’s windshield with the ice chipper.

Degeest allegedly back the truck up approximately 25 yards, as the man hid behind a neighbor’s white SUV. Degeest then drove his pickup truck into the SUV, causing the SUV to crash into the complainant, and causing considerable damage to the vehicle itself.

According to Degeest, he told police he was “trying to kill him” and wanted to “run him over and peel on his face”. Documents would later show that Degeest had a revoked driver’s license, and that the truck he used in the incident was registered to a female acquaintance.

If convicted, Degeest faces up to 12 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines, as well as additional time for criminal damage and disorderly conduct. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 23.