By Joe Bachman

NEKOOSA — A high speed chase has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old Wisconsin Rapids woman.

According to a Nekoosa Police Department release, on May 14, at approximately 8:16 p.m. a woman was stopped by a Nekoosa officer at the Dollar General store on the 900 block of Market St. During the attempt to take her into custody for a felony arrest warrant, the woman, identified as Mariah Czappa, attempted to drive away.

In efforts to stop her from speeding away, Czappa would end up dragging an officer alongside her vehicle for approximately 10-15 feet before crashing into a nearby fire hydrant. The officer was able to free himself from the vehicle, however, Czappa sped away and continued to flee Nekoosa police.

According to reports, Czappa approached speeds of up to 100 mph, as officers pursued her from Nekoosa through Pittsville. Police soon apprehended her after her after she spun out in a ditch near State Highway 73 and Knuth Rd.

Czappa was taken to Riverview Hospital and soon released into Nekoosa police custody, while one officer suffered a minor hand laceration. Czappa was arrested for the felony charges of fleeing an officer, first degree reckless endangering safety, felony and misdemeanor bail jumping, possession of methamphetamine and operating while under the influence of an intoxicant.

If convicted, Czappa faces up to 28 years and six months imprisonment, and over $50,000 in fines. Future court dates are pending.

Assisting agencies include Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Port Edwards Police Department, Pittsville Police Department, Wood County Rescue, Vesper Fire Department and United Ambulance.