Police topped 100 mph chasing a truck going the wrong way on U.S. 10.
David Malchow, 30, Wild Rose, is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, fleeing an officer, possession or methamphetamine and illegal possession of prescription drugs.
At 3:29 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Weyauwega Police officer Justin Malueg was writing a warning to a motorist on U.S. Highway 10 near Evanswood Road when he saw a pickup truck traveling east in the westbound lanes.
Malueg began immediate pursuit.
The officer was in the eastbound lanes while following the pickup, which remained in the westbound lanes.
According to the criminal complaint, the truck was still pulling away even as Malueg reached 103 mph.
During the chase, the pickup was approaching a semi head-on.
The vehicles missed each other because the pickup was in the fast lane while the semi was in the slow lane.
At 3:30 a.m., the pickup exited south onto the State Highway 49/110 on-ramp, then turned north on State 110, the turned onto Railroad Grade Road.
Malchow arrested
“We arrived at the dead end of Railroad Grade Road. As soon as the vehicle stopped, the male driver quickly exited and began running down into a nearby swampy area,” Malueg reported.
The officer drew his weapon, aimed it and ordered the driver to stop.
The driver, later identified as Malchow, dropped to his knees and raised his arms.
Waupaca County Deputies Curtis Much and James Santiago arrived to assist.
They conducted a search of the vehicle and reported finding 0.44 grams of crystal meth, two prescription pills and two mixed drinks with ice in plastic cups.
Santiago spoke with the passenger, who said he and Malchow had been at the Landing Strip on East Gate Drive south of U.S. 10 in Waupaca.
When they left, Malchow crossed the bridge at the bypass and entered the westbound lanes while going east.
The passenger said he realized it right away and told Malchow to pull over and turn around.
But Malchow continued going the wrong direction, the passenger said.
Malchow faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted of reckless endangerment and 3 1/2 years for fleeing an officer or possession of methamphetamine.
He was released from custody after posting $1,000 cash bond.