Wood County Sheriff's Department Involved in High Speed Chase
Friday, May 5th, 2023 -- 12:01 PM
On Wednesday, May 3rd at approximately 9:14 a.m., a Sergeant with the Wood County Sheriff's Department attempted to stop a vehicle in the City of Wisconsin Rapids.
The Sergeant had knowledge of the operator to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both and to have several outstanding felony warrants. During the initial attempt to perform a traffic stop, the operator of the vehicle was driving erratically.
The vehicle failed to stop and Wood County Sheriff's Department personnel pursued the vehicle. During the pursuit which covered approximately 15.75 miles, the operator of the suspect vehicle rammed an occupied Wood County Sheriff's Department squad and continued.
The pursuit entered private property in Portage County and the driver drove through a wooded area before fleeing on foot. He was taken into custody a short distance later. Speeds during the pursuit exceeded 100 mph.
The driver, Jesse James Koltz of Wisconsin Rapids, was arrested on several outstanding warrants to include:
- Felony warrants from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections;
- A felony warrant for Operating While Intoxicated 4th Offense;
- And several warrants for Felony Bail Jumping, Operating While Revoked, and Ignition Interlock Device Tampering/Failure to Install.
In addition to the warrants, Jesse is facing numerous charges as a result of this incident to include:
- Operating While Intoxicated - 4th Offense,
- Recklessly Endangering Safety,
- Felony Fleeing from an Officer,
- Carry a Concealed Weapon,
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine,
- Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Narcotic,
- Possession with Intent to Deliver THC,
- Felony Bail Jumping - 3 Counts,
- Misdemeanor Bail Jumping - 3 Counts,
- Operating While Revoked,
- And Failure to Install IID.
The Wood County Sheriff's Department was assisted in the Pursuit by the:
- Wisconsin Rapids Police Department,
- Grand Rapids Police Department,
- Wisconsin State Patrol,
- Port Edwards Police Department,
- Portage County Sheriff's Office,
- And the Wood County Dispatch Center.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.