Portage, WI – A wanted Wisconsin Rapids man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after allegedly leading deputies on a pursuit in Columbia County, authorities said.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received information that 36-year-old Derik Walter was driving in the county despite having an active felony warrant from a 2022 case. Around 1:53 p.m., a sheriff’s sergeant spotted the vehicle on Highway 60 near I-90/94/39. When the sergeant attempted a traffic stop, Walter allegedly threw an item from his vehicle and drove away, exiting onto County Highway CS.
Deputies said the pursuit lasted about 10 minutes, with Walter driving near the speed limit as multiple officers joined in. Poynette Police deployed a tire deflation device at Bilkie Road and Keauhag Road, which disabled the vehicle. Walter was taken into custody without further incident.
During the arrest, deputies reported observing signs of impairment, which led to an operating while intoxicated investigation. They also searched for the discarded item along the interstate but were unable to locate it.
Authorities confirmed Walter’s identity and transported him to the Columbia County Jail. He is being held on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated as a third offense, operating after revocation, failure to install an ignition interlock device, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony bail jumping, and two outstanding warrants.
The sheriff’s office credited teamwork with the Poynette Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Brown’s Towing for safely ending the pursuit. Walter is currently awaiting an initial court appearance. Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations and that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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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