City Times Staff

SARATOGA — A 57-year-old man is dead after an attempt to flee police ended in a fatal crash in the Town of Saratoga.

According to a Wood Co. Sheriff’s news release, on Jan. 15, authorities responded to a physical domestic disturbance call in the Town of Saratoga between a man and a woman. The man, later identified as Louis Hoffman, was not present by the time officers arrived on scene.

A short time later, deputies located Hoffman’s vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Carousel Ct. on State Highway 73, though he would refuse to stop for police. They continued to follow Hoffman’s vehicle until he started to rapidly accelerate near the area of Spruce Ave. and 48th St. South. As a result of the acceleration and high rate of speed, Hoffman would crash into a large tree at the intersection.

Hoffman was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash. The accident is currently under investigation. Responding agencies include Wood Co. Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Nekoosa Police Department, Wood Co. Rescue, and Grand Rapids Police Department.