TOWN OF CALEDONIA, Wis. (WKOW) — A home invasion in Waunakee led to a police chase and the death of a suspect on Sunday, authorities confirmed.
According to police, a woman reported that her ex-boyfriend broke into her home on Friday, holding her at gunpoint. She managed to escape and contacted law enforcement on Sunday.
As officers investigated, the suspect returned to the area, prompting a traffic stop attempt. He fled at speeds up to 100 miles per hour, leading police on a high-speed chase into Columbia County.
The pursuit escalated onto the interstate, where the suspect drove against oncoming traffic during heavy rain and collided with another vehicle. After crashing, he fled on foot into a nearby field.
Multiple law enforcement agencies established a perimeter, deploying drones and K-9 units to track him through wooded and marshy terrain. “At that scene, everyone's safety, including the community and officers, is paramount,” said Adams County Sheriff Brent York.
During negotiation attempts, the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities reported. The Adams County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, as per state law regarding officer-involved incidents. No shots were fired by law enforcement, and a handgun was recovered at the scene.
The suspect, a 45-year-old man, has not been identified pending family notification. No serious injuries to others were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.