Racine County, WI – A high-speed, multi-county pursuit involving a stolen SUV ended Tuesday night after Racine County Sheriff’s deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle near I-94, authorities said.
According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday when deputies were asked to assist the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol with a pursuit of a stolen black 2022 Dodge Durango traveling northbound on I-94. The vehicle was reportedly stolen out of Chicago and allegedly reached speeds exceeding 130 mph near the Wisconsin–Illinois state line.
Authorities said the Durango was weaving through all lanes of traffic at dangerous speeds. Near Highway 11, Racine County deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, causing the vehicle’s right front tire to deflate. Despite the damage, the driver allegedly continued fleeing at speeds between 60 and 70 mph.
The pursuit continued through multiple roadways after the SUV exited I-94 at Highway 20, traveling through rural roads before attempting to re-enter I-94 southbound near Highway K. At that point, a Racine County deputy executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT maneuver), causing the SUV to spin into a ditch.
Officials said the driver and passenger initially attempted to flee on foot but surrendered after deputies announced the possible deployment of a K9. Both were taken into custody at gunpoint without further incident.
The driver was identified as Joseph Torres, 22, of Milwaukee, who allegedly had a suspended license and prior convictions. The passenger, Tyler Huddleston, 18, of Elkhorn, was reportedly on probation for felony fleeing and eluding.
Torres was arrested and held on $30,400 bail on multiple charges, while Huddleston was taken into custody on a probation hold. Charging recommendations have been forwarded to the Racine County District Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said the pursuit underscored the danger of high-speed fleeing and credited coordinated law enforcement efforts for keeping the public safe.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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