A slow-speed pursuit of a driver in Weyauwega has resulted in felony charges.
Derek S. Wanner, 27, Waupaca, is charged with fleeing an officer, resisting an officer, felony possession of marijuana, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, negligent operation of a vehicle and a second charge of operating while under the influence.
On the afternoon of Thursday, March 20, Weyauwega Police Officer Adam Rogge was on patrol when he saw a black sports utility vehicle eastbound on Main Street. The license plate appeared to be expired, so Rogge activated his emergency lights and siren on Alfred and Liberty streets to make a traffic stop.
The license of the driver, identified as Wanner, was also revoked.
The vehicle slowed, and Rogge followed it as it pulled into the parking lot of Weyauwega Health Care Center.
According to the criminal complaint, the vehicle then accelerated, drove across a sidewalk and around a parked ambulance and turned west onto Alfred Street. It continued at speeds between 25 mph to 27 mph.
Weyauwega Police Chief Gerold Poltrock joined the pursuit. He and Rogge attempted to box in the car, but it crossed over into the eastbound lane, then drove through the stall of a self-service car wash and into the busy parking lot of the BP station.
The driver exited the vehicle, which he left in drive, and ran north onto Main Street.
Poltrock pulled his squad car in front of the moving vehicle to keep it from hitting any pedestrians.
Rogge pursued the driver on foot, who tripped on a curb and fell, the complaint says.
During his arrest, Wanner reportedly resisted both officers’ efforts to handcuff him.
Rogge subdued Wanner with a stun gun. Police reported finding 20 pills in Wanner’s jacket pocket.
According to court records, there was an active warrant for Wanner’s arrest for a probation hold.
He was charged Feb. 28 with possession of narcotics and operating while revoked in Washington County.
Wanner was convicted of two counts of felony possession of marijuana, one count of operating under the influence of a controlled substance, and one count of felony bail jumping in January 2010 in Waupaca County and sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison.