Suspect charged with escape, battery
Dillion D. Pionke, 24, Appleton, is charged with causing injury while escaping criminal arrest, battery to an officer, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.
On Tursday, June 2, Fremont Police Officer Slavko Stefanovic received an anonymous tip that Pionke had an active warrant and was at the Fremont public beach.
On May 11, Winnebago County issued a warrant for Pionke after he failed to report to jail.
He had been convicted of resisting an officer and operating while revoked and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
When Stefanovic arrived at the beach’s parking lot, he saw Pionke next to a purple Dodge pickup truck.
The officer told Pionke he was taking him into custody on the warrant.
According to the criminal complaint, as Stefanovic escorted Pionke to his squad car, Pionke said he had stomach issues and needed to use the restroom.
Stefanovic said he could not use the restroom at the beach.
“I secured his left wrist to place him in handcuffs. At this point, Mr. Pionke lowered his center of gravity and attempted to pull away from me, actively resisting arrest,” Stefanovic reported. “I then pulled Mr. Pionke into my direction and secured him to the ground.”
A crowd gathered as the two men struggled.
Officer Abigail Selk, who had arrived to assist, made the spectators move back.
When Stefanovic and Pionke arrived at the squad car, Pionke reportedly pulled away and began running.
Stefanovic attempted to use his stun gun, but slipped on the gravel and fell, injuring his arm, hand and knee, the complaint says.
Waupaca County Deputy Eric Kamholz, who was also there to assist, pursued Pionke.
Officers took him into custody.
An ambulance arrived and paramedics treated Stefanovic for his injuries.
Pionke was released from Waupaca County jail after posting a $1,500 cash bond, but he is currently in Winnebago County jail serving his earlier sentence.