Sauk County Man Arrested For OWI 6TH and Eluding Police. Crashes, With Elderly Mother In Vehicle.

Felony OWI 6TH and Eluding Arrest

On May 1st, 2019 at approximately 8:20pm the Sauk County Communications Center was notified of a driving complaint. An older model silver SUV was crossing the centerline on STH 33 near Coonbluff Road in the Township of Excelsior. The caller was able to provide a plate number, which listed on a 1996 Silver Isuzu Trooper.

A short time later, a deputy observed the same vehicle traveling northbound on CTH BD near STH 33 and conducted a traffic stop at Whitetail Crossing Gas Station. The operator of the vehicle was identified through a valid Wisconsin driver’s license as Jason M. Gerike, age 46 Reedsburg. After speaking with Gerike, the deputy developed reason to believe he was under the influence of alcohol. After the deputy made initial contact with Gerike and returned to his squad car, Gerike fled the scene of the traffic stop and continued northbound on CTH BD.

The deputy began to pursue the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound on CTH BD at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued westbound on Fern Dell Road and crashed into a ditch, at the intersection with South Avenue in the Town of Delton. Gerike was taken into custody and refused medical attention at the scene. Gerike's mother was a passenger in the vehicle.  Nancy Gerike, age 70 of Reedsburg suffered injuries and was transported to an area hospital by EMS.

Gerike’s performance on field sobriety tests showed evidence of impairment. Gerike was arrested and transported to the Sauk County Jail. Gerike faces charges of Felony Operating While Intoxicated 6th Offense, Eluding an Officer and deviating from lane of traffic.

The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Lake Delton Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Delton-Delton EMS and Platt’s towing.

Sheriff Chip Meister