Marathon County Man Accused of Arson and Pointing a Firearm at Law Enforcement Heading to Trial

Monday, May 6th, 2024 -- 2:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A Marathon County man facing accusations of arson and intentionally pointing a firearm at law enforcement will go to trial in September.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, John Strasser has been scheduled for a three-day trial from September 25th to the 27th for a trio of felony counts including arson of a building without the owner’s consent, fleeing or eluding an officer, and intentionally pointing a firearm at law enforcement.

Charges stem from a July 2022 incident in which Strasser is accused of setting his Stratford home on fire and fleeing the scene, leading police on a high-speed chase through Mosinee.

Representatives from OnStar finally stopped the vehicle on Weisman Road leading to a standoff between Strasser and law enforcement. During that time he is accused of pointing two different firearms at officers.

He finally surrendered after several hours thanks to help from SWAT teams from Marshfield and Marathon County. Court documents show that officers had been called to Strasser’s home for a welfare check just before the fire.

Charges against him also include a misdemeanor count of operating a firearm while intoxicated. Strasser has pled not guilty to the charges. If found guilty he faces nearly 50 years in prison. A motion hearing is scheduled for July 23rd with a jury status hearing one month later.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.