High speed chase ends in PIT maneuver

GRAND RAPIDS – On July 20, at 11:18 p.m., Grand Rapids officers attempted to stop a maroon GMC truck, driven by 47-year-old Daniel L. Erdman of Wisconsin Rapids, for a speeding violation. As soon as officers turned on their emergency lights, Erdman attempted to flee the traffic stop, accelerating to even higher speeds and disregarding stop signs to include when crossing State Highway 54. Erdman entered the City of Wisconsin Rapids, and the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and Wood County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the pursuit.
At one point Erdman stopped at an intersection. A female passenger was attempting to get out of the vehicle, and it appeared as if Erdman was attempting to physically keep her from getting out. Erdman took off again with the female passenger’s leg partially hanging out of the vehicle, before stopping again and allowing the female to exit with a dog in her arms. Neither the female nor the dog required medical treatment at that time.
As Erdman continued to flee from officers, he would drive at very high speeds and even drove on the wrong side of the road as he was northbound on 8th Street/State Highway 13. When circumstances allowed, a Wood County Sheriff’s Deputy utilized a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), and successfully immobilized Erdman’s vehicle. Erdman immediately climbed out of his vehicle and started running on foot, but was apprehended in short order by the deputy. The deputy sustained some minor injuries during the apprehension. Erdman declined any medical treatment.
Grand Rapids officers arrested Erdman for Operating While Under the Influence 7th Offense, Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer and Battery or Threat to Law Enforcement Officer. He also has a driving restriction of operating under a 0.02 alcohol level due to six previous OWI convictions, and holds a revoked driver license due to an alcohol-related driving offense. All suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in Circuit Court.
In addition to WRPD and WCSD, the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and Nieman’s Towing assisted with this incident.