Deputies stop fleeing suspect in major drug bust
By Patrick Lynn
A 32-year-old Milwaukee man is in custody following a high-speed pursuit between Marshfield and Hwy. 10 in Portage Co.
According to a news release from the Marshfield Police Dept., officers attempted a traffic stop on April 1 near 8th St. and East Veterans Parkway in Marshfield at 7:21 p.m. The motorist, later identified as Brandon Wade Alexander Urquhart, fled the traffic stop, made a U-turn and drove away at a high rate of speed.
Urquhart was known to officers in Marshfield as a suspect in a methamphetamine delivery made earlier this year.
As he fled, Urquhart allegedly tossed narcotics from the driver’s side window for the next 30 miles, reaching speeds of 120 miles, with “numerous marked squad cars in pursuit,” the news release said.
Once Urquhart drove into coming traffic on State Hwy. 10 near the Wisconsin River bridge, Portage Co. deputies were in position to deploy stop sticks in an attempt to stop the vehicle before the pursuit reached the interstate.
The tactic deflated the tires on Urquhart’s vehicle, yet he continued driving southbound on I-39 in the northbound lane for a short time before coming to a stop with “considerable damage” to the front left tire, the release said.
Officers recovered “sizable quantities” of crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine Urquhart threw out his vehicle on East Veterans Pkwy in Marshfield.
A search of Urquhart’s home later turned up more methamphetamine. All told, officers seized 27.7 grams of crack cocaine, 125.6 grams of methamphetamine, and .5 grams of heroin totaling a street value in excess of $20,000.
Urquhart was transported to Wood Co. Jail on charges of fleeing an officer, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of heroin, and a methamphetamine delivery charge. He has numerous drug possession and delivery convictions dating back to 2006 and is being held at Wood Co. Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.
Portage Co. deputies, Stevens Point police, and the Wisconsin State Patrol also assisted the Wood Co. Sheriff’s Office and Marshfield Police Dept.