MONONA, Wis. (WFRV) – A 21-year-old Madison man was arrested early Friday morning following a high-speed chase that spanned multiple roadways and ended with his vehicle disabled in a ditch.
According to the Monona Police Department, the incident began shortly before 2:15 a.m. when an officer observed a vehicle traveling 81 mph in a 55-mph zone on U.S. Highway 12. The vehicle was also operating with one headlight and failed to maintain its lane, prompting the officer to initiate a traffic stop.
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The driver, identified as Antonio C. Hernandez, reportedly ran a red light after exiting onto West Broadway and returned to U.S. Highway 12, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. The pursuit continued through several exits before Hernandez lost control near Park Street and ended up in a ditch.
Hernandez fled on foot but was apprehended with assistance from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office after a brief chase. Officers reported signs of impairment and found an open cocktail container and an empty beer can with 8.3% alcohol content in his vehicle.
Hernandez was taken to a hospital for a blood draw and later booked into the Dane County Jail for operating while intoxicated, his fifth offense. His vehicle was towed due to damage sustained during the pursuit.
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Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney praised the teamwork involved, saying, “Mr. Hernandez continues to endanger the lives of innocent people in this community. I am grateful for the officers’ efforts in identifying his dangerous driving behavior and stopping him before someone is seriously injured or killed.”
The Madison Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.
