MONONA, Wis. (WFRV) – Three Wisconsin men are being accused of stealing a vehicle, crashing into another motorist, and fleeing police on foot Thursday night.
Shortly before 8:15 p.m., the Monona Police Department was alerted to a stolen vehicle operating on East Broadway in Monona.
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Responding officers located the vehicle near a convenience store and confirmed it had been reported stolen.
Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Johnathon Brazil, failed to stop and continued west on Broadway before merging onto U.S. Highway 12. Two passengers, identified as 54-year-old Kenneth Maclin and 38-year-old Leon Willis, were also in the vehicle.
Brazil exited onto Rimrock Road, crossed the center median, and collided with a minivan traveling in the opposite direction. Following the crash, Brazil and Maclin fled on foot.
Willis remained at the scene and was taken into custody without further incident.
With assistance from supporting agencies, officers located and arrested Maclin a short distance from the crash. Brazil was found hiding in a dumpster.
While officers searched for the suspects, others tended to the occupants of the minivan. A young passenger was transported by EMS to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was not hurt.
Brazil was reportedly impaired and was processed for OWI at a local hospital. He faces multiple felony charges and had an outstanding warrant at the time of arrest.
“Mr. Brazil was impaired, while in operation of a stolen vehicle. He chose to drive recklessly. He chose to elude police. And he chose to flee from his vehicle after striking another car,” said Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney. “Mr. Brazil has demonstrated that he does not care about others nor the law. We are safer tonight now that he is (back) in jail.”
Chief Chaney also said Maclin, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant, no longer qualifies to serve his sentence in the community and has been returned to custody.
As for Willis, authorities said he will face misdemeanor charges in court at a later date.
“We wish the young community member who was injured as a result of Mr. Brazil’s actions a full and speedy recovery,” Chief Chaney added. “We are proud of you for being so brave during what was a scary moment. We are working hard to ensure that he and others don’t hurt anyone in Monona and Dane County, and we plan to check in on you and dad soon.”
No further details were released.
