A Waupaca couple are in jail after one of them drove into a squad car during a traffic stop.
Rachel L. Remington, 30, and Daniel L. Werther, 33, are each charged with felony reckless endangerment, criminal damage to property and resisting an officer.
Around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, Waupaca Police Officer Sam Van Dinter observed Remington driving a 2001 Dodge Caravan on West Fulton Street.
Van Dinter believed Remington’s license was suspended, in part because in 2017 she was cited seven times for operating while suspended and once for operating without a valid license. Her most recent citation was issued on Dec. 11, 2017.
On Jan. 26, 2017, Remington’s license was suspended after she failed to pay the $200 fine for an October 2016 citation for operating while suspended.
Van Dinter also had information that the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services was looking to take custody of their children.
Van Dinter followed Remington onto South Main Street, then activated his emergency lights and made a traffic stop between West Union and West Badger streets.
According to the criminal complaint, Remington pulled into a diagonal parking stall on the west side of South Main Street. There were other vehicles parked on both sides of Remington’s van, so Van Dinter parked his squad car in the road about 8 feet behind the van.
Inside the car were Werther and two children, ages 2 and 3. Police say the children were not in safety seats.
Officer Diana Flatoff arrived at the scene and parked her squad car in an alley directly across the street from Van Dinter.
Both squad cars activated their emergency lights.
While Van Dinter was in his squad car writing citations, Remington and Werther exited the van and switched seats.
Concerned they might flee, Van Dinter moved his squad car forward so it was about 4 feet away from the van.
Van Dinter then approached the driver’s side of the van, while Flatoff approached the passenger’s side.
Standing near the rear of the van, Van Dinter told Werther to exit the vehicle.
When Werther complied, Remington scooched over into the driver’s seat. She then got out of the van and appeared to be video recording the officers with her cellphone.
Van Dinter then told Werther the county was sending a social worker for the children.
Werther reportedly told Remington, “Take off now!” He then clenched his fists and pushed Van Dinter into the side of the van, the complaint says.
Remington returned to the driver’s seat and Werther pushed Flatoff as she came around the van to help stop Remington.
Van Dinter then drew his stun gun and pointed it at Werther, who dropped to his knees.
Remington then began backing the van out of the parking stall and slammed into Van Dinter’s squad car. Werther and Flatoff jumped out of the way.
According to the criminal complaint, Van Dinter noticed the van was moving forward in the direction of the sidewalk, so he used his baton to shatter the front driver’s side window.
He then grabbed Remington’s jacket, pulled her from the van, escorted her to the ground and handcuffed her.
Both Werther and Remington are in custody on a $2,500 cash bond.