Leader Staff
A Birnamwood man was charged with a felony count of fleeing an officer after a high-speed chase in the town of Wittenberg on Wednesday.
James D. Pierzchalski, 25, could face 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. He was also cited for first-offense operating while intoxicated.
According to the criminal complaint, sheriff’s deputies spotted Pierzchalski car traveling at a high rate of speed on U.S. Highway 45 shortly before midnight.
Pierzchalski allegedly ignored attempts to pull the vehicle over, instead fleeing at speeds that reached 125 mph, according to the complaint.
The vehicle turned onto Hemlock Road and the chase continued onto County Road OO, crossing the center line several times during the pursuit, according to the complaint.
Spike strips were deployed as the vehicle approached Fourth Street in the village of Eland and the car was finally brought to a stop.
An initial breath test showed Pierzchalski had a blood-alcohol count of 0.19 percent, according to the complaint.
Pierzchalski was ordered held on a $1,000 cash bond after a hearing Thursday before Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Judge James Habeck. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 9.