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Man charged with reckless endangerment

Mitchell
Mitchell

Theodore L. Mitchell Jr. is accused of nearly driving into a squad car driven by Waupaca Police Chief Tim Goke while fleeing another officer.

Mitchell, 33, formerly of Waupaca, is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, fleeing an officer and operating after revocation.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on Thursday, June 18.

Shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, Waupaca Police Officer Nate Nelson was on patrol when he was advised of an active warrant for Mitchell’s arrest.

A short time later, Waupaca County Deputy Matt Whitaker radioed Nelson and said he spotted Mitchell in a black Dodge Charger on State Highway 49 heading into Waupaca.

Nelson, who knew Mitchell was headed for the foundry, waited at the corner of Elm and Holbeck streets to intercept Mitchell.

When he saw the Dodge pass, Nelson followed it into the foundry parking lot. He activated his emergency lights, but the Dodge did not stop. It then pulled out of the parking lot and made its way to Water Street at a high rate of speed, according to the criminal complaint.

Police Chief Tim Goke positioned his squad car in the center of Water Street with his lights and siren activated.

“The Dodge was heading right at Chief Goke’s squad car and as the Dodge came closer, Chief Goke turned his squad car to the right, avoiding an accident,” the complaint says.

The Dodge then turned right on Granite Street. Goke radioed Nelson and told him to terminate the pursuit.

The owner of the Dodge Charger was a foundry co-worker who allowed Mitchell to borrow it that day. Mitchell later called the co-worker’s family and told them they could pick up the car at a Best Buy in Appleton.

Mitchell has been charged as a repeat offender.

Earlier this year in Waupaca County, Mitchell was convicted of three counts of felony bail jumping, battery, seven counts of contact with victim after a domestic abuse arrest, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct in five separate criminal cases. He is currently on probation.

In Outagamie County, Mitchell was convicted of a second drunken driving offense in March 2014 and his license was revoked.

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