A 27-mile high-speed chase from Royalton to New London led to the arrest of a man wanted by U.S. marshals for multiple drug charges in Florida.
Johnny Reyes Jr., 23, Florida City, is charged in Waupaca County Circuit Court with causing property damage while fleeing an officer and obstructing an officer. He has also been issued 11 traffic citations.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, Wisconsin State Trooper Kendi Linjer was westbound on State Highway 54 in Royalton when she clocked an eastbound silver Audi traveling 78 mph. She turned around, activated her emergency lights and attempted to catch up with the vehicle to make a traffic stop.
By the time Linjer reached the intersection of State 54 and northbound State Highway 110, Deputy Timothy Myers had joined the pursuit and was following her. Linjer reported that the Audi passed two other vehicles on a curve east of the intersection. At this point, she activated her siren and closed in on the vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, the Audi made a sudden left turn onto County Trunk O, going into the westbound lane of State 54 as it took the corner.
The Audi made its way back to State 54 and continued east toward New London. Near Larry Road, the vehicle pulled into the westbound lane directly into oncoming traffic, forcing other vehicles onto the shoulder, the complaint says.
The vehicle turned north onto County Trunk D, and the officers followed it past U.S. 45 into Outagamie County.
Linjer lost sight of the vehicle after coming up behind a truck that took awhile to pull over.
Near the intersection of County D and County XX, Myers found car tracks leading through a field to a creek where the Audi was stuck. Myers took the driver into custody.
The driver initially identified himself as Jesus Maldanado, then admitted that his real name was Johnny Reyes from Florida City, the complaint says. A records check found that the U.S. marshals had a felony warrant for Reyes arrest.
Police say the chase lasted 16 minutes with speeds reaching 100 mph.
Judge Raymond Huber ordered a $3,000 cash bond, and Reyes remains in custody.