Knitter arrested on multiple charges following chase

Gregory Knitter, Cornell, was arrested following a highspeed chase along State Hwy. 29, April 24.

According to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, the incident took place at about 9:05 p.m. A Chippewa County Sheriffs deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for lane deviations and driving left of center, near County Hwys. X and XX. The vehicle fled and got onto State Hwy. 29, westbound, reaching speeds of 100 mph.

Chippewa Falls and Lake Hallie police departments successfully deployed tire deflation spikes.

The vehicle turned on U.S. Hwy. 53 northbound as the front tires deflated, before the front tires fell off, riding only on the rims, and the vehicle speeds decreased.

The vehicle exited U.S. Hwy. 53 at County Hwy. X/River Road in the City of Chippewa Falls, and came to a rest in a steep ditch.

The operator, Knitter, fled on foot, but was arrested moments later, after attempting to hide in the dumpster of a nearby apartment complex.

Knitter had outstanding warrants for failure to appear for numerous previous charges of fleeing/eluding officers, as well as domestic abuse.

There were three passengers in the vehicle at the time of the incident, two of whom were juveniles.

One juvenile sustained a head laceration/injury from striking the windshield when the vehicle struck the ditch embankment. The juvenile was transported to Mayo Clinic, and was treated and released.

Methamphetamine and marijuana were recovered inside the vehicle.

Knitter was charged with an OWI Causing Injury with a Minor Child in the Vehicle, Fleeing/Eluding Officers, First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting an Officer, and Felony Bail Jumping.

The Wisconsin State Patrol, and Chippewa Fire and Rescue, also responded to the incident.

The sheriff’s department says the incident is still under investigation and additional charges are expected.