Report: Man Leads Police on Chase; Strikes Garbage Cans, Squad Car
By Brandi Makuski
A Custer man faces multiple charges following accusations of speeding, drunk driving and striking an officer’s squad car.
Chad D. Schulist, 38, was arrested on Jan. 5 after allegedly fleeing a Stevens Point police officer during a brief chase on the city’s east side. According to the incident report, Schulist was driving 48 in a 25-mile-per-hour zone when an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Green Ave. near Maria Dr. shortly before 2 AM.
Schulist led officers on a brief pursuit through the residential area, turning left on the 500 block of Sunset Blvd., where his vehicle drove through at least one residential yard, striking a mailbox and two garbage cans. He slowed his vehicle to about 10 miles-an-hour near a stop sign at Green Ave., according to the report, but did not stop as he drove through the intersection.
He then turned west on Maria Dr., swerved towards Morey’s Bar, spun his tires and turned 180-degrees. During the spin, the report reads, a passenger in the front seat opened the door and attempted to leave the vehicle, but quickly closed the vehicle’s door just before Schulist’s vehicle struck a Stevens Point police squad.
Schulist then drove back towards Green Ave. at speeds nearing 60-miles-an-hour, driving through another yard on the southwest corner of Lorraine St., where he turned left. He then came to a stop at the intersection of Wilshire Ave., at which time the passenger exited the vehicle with his hands in the air.
Police then initiated a high-risk traffic stop, according to Assistant Chief Mike Rottier, with weapons drawn, and took Schulist into custody.
Rotttier said roads were snow-covered and slippery at the time of the pursuit, which lasted a little over four minutes and covered about two miles of roadway.
The officer driving the struck squad obtained minor injuries to his neck but was able to return to work immediately, Rottier said. The squad car received minor damage to its front end.
The passenger of the vehicle, identified as 26-year-old Sam. S. Disher of Almond, was arrested on a probation violation.
Schulist was arrested on an initial charge of fleeing an officer, and also faced charges of speeding, two counts of hit and run, operating after suspension, second-offense OWI, reckless driving causing bodily harm, failure to stop at a stop sign and operating left of center. A blood test conducted later at St. Michael’s Hospital showed Schulist had a blood alcohol content of .228, nearly three times the legal limit.
His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 22.