By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A local man has once again attempted to flee police, and once again, he was quickly apprehended.

According to police reports, on Nov. 4, an officer observed a vehicle hit a curb over the median strip on Highway 54 by Highway W and continue driving. The officer quickly activated its emergency lights and pursued the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as 26-year-old Andrew Stensberg, would reach speeds up to 75 mph in 25 mph zones in an attempt to escape pursuit, where he would speed into oncoming traffic, through stop signs, and over more curbs. Stensberg would soon stop his vehicle in the area of Chestnut St. and Clyde Ave, where he exited the vehicle and attempted to flee police on foot.

It wasn’t long before an officer caught up to him, took him down, and placed him in custody. Stensberg was noticeably intoxicated at the time of arrest.

According to reports, Stensberg was afraid of police, as he had been drinking. Stensberg was out on bond under the condition of absolute sobriety. He informed police that he had “five or six” beers before getting behind the wheel, and officers observed that Stensberg had slowed speech and glossy eyes.

On Aug. 20, Stensberg fled police while intoxicated which resulted in a crash. 

This is Stensberg’s fourth charge of operating while intoxicated, and faces charges of fleeing police, bail jumping, operating with a revoked driver’s license, and failure to install an ignition interlock device. If convicted, Stensberg faces up to 19 years and six months imprisonment, and up to $45,000 in fines.

His next court date is set for Nov. 22.