Janesville, WI – A Rock County man who led deputies on a high-speed, wrong-way chase early New Year’s Day has been sentenced to years in prison after prosecutors said his actions nearly turned deadly for law enforcement and the public.
According to the Rock County District Attorney’s Office, Andrew Brieske was sentenced this week by Judge Karl Hanson to seven years in prison followed by three years of extended supervision for his role in a dangerous pursuit that crossed county lines and involved wrong-way driving at speeds approaching 100 mph.
The incident began at about 2:30 a.m. on January 1, 2025, when Brieske allegedly fled from Jefferson County deputies in his truck. Authorities say the pursuit continued into Rock County, where Brieske drove southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 26, nearly striking a Rock County Sheriff’s Office deputy head-on.
Deputies turned around to pursue Brieske, with additional units joining the chase as he drove through a field in an attempt to escape. According to prosecutors, deputies ultimately used a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver) to stop the vehicle. During the encounter, Brieske allegedly attempted to ram a deputy’s squad car before he was taken into custody.
Brieske pleaded guilty to Fleeing an Officer Causing Damage to Property and Second-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety in Rock County, along with Fleeing and Operating While Intoxicated (5th offense) in Jefferson County.
At sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Jerry Urbik cited Brieske’s lengthy criminal history, noting he was already on extended supervision and heavily intoxicated at the time of the chase. Prosecutors argued a lighter sentence would not reflect the serious risk posed to deputies and motorists.
Deputy District Attorney Anne Nack thanked law enforcement for their coordinated response, saying their actions helped bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion.
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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