Suspect in Saturday vehicle, foot pursuits held on $5,000 cash bond
By Brandi Makuski
A Portage Co. judge has issued a $5,000 cash bond for the Stevens Point man who led law enforcement on a 26-mile pursuit on Saturday.
Jeffrey J. Lulich, 40, appeared before Portage Co. Circuit Court Judge Patrica Baker by video for his May 20 bond hearing. He previously appeared by video on Monday but requested an adjournment so his lawyer could be present.
According to Assistant District Attorney Jedidiah Dodge, deputies were asked to conduct extra patrol on May 14 and 15 following a report of an attempted catalytic converter theft on the 800 block of Forest Dr. in Plover. A suspicious vehicle, described only as a blue Dodge Caravan, was reported as being seen in the area during the attempted theft.
While patrolling the area at 12:05 a.m. on May 15, a deputy heard loud exhaust from a vehicle entering the neighborhood, one that matched the description of the suspect vehicle.
The deputy followed the vehicle, later found to be driven by Lulich, and observed one rear brake light was out. A check of the vehicle’s registration came back as suspended, and the deputy initiated a traffic stop by turning on their lights and sirens. Lulich’s vehicle accelerated rapidly, turning south onto Monroe Ave.
Dodge said Lulich blew through four stop signs at about 50 miles an hour, otherwise driving up to 80 miles an hour and leaving the roadway on a number of occasions, driving into front and back yards along the Portage/Wood county line. Numerous PIT and ram maneuvers were unsuccessful in stopping the vehicle, he said.
After deploying stop sticks, which deflated the two front tires, the vehicle came to a stop in the woods. Lulich then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. His passenger, 28-year-old Brittany Leigh Knapp, was arrested for possession of narcotics.
Deputies chased Lulich for about 75 yards, Dodge said, eventually pulling their sidearms and ordering him to the ground. He resisted and flung his arms at officers, striking one deputy several times, but was ultimately placed in handcuffs.
A search of Lulich uncovered a knife and a bindle containing a substance that later tested positive for heroin and weighed 1.1 grams. A search of the vehicle also uncovered a methamphetamine pipe containing burnt residue.
Lulich faces charges of second-degree recklessly endangering safety, attempting to flee or elude an officer, possession of narcotic drugs, negligent operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating without a license, all under a repeat offender modifier, which would enhance any penalty if he is convicted.
Dodge said Lulich was convicted on March 12 of possession of methamphetamine as a repeat offender, adding that Lulich was a flight risk and that the DA’s office would likely seek a prison sentence upon any conviction.
Baker called the allegations “concerning,” and said Lulich put himself, deputies, his passenger, and area residents in danger, and noted he hadn’t followed conditions of his probation from his recent felony conviction. She granted Dodge’s request for a $5,000 cash bond with conditions that Lulich not possess any illegal drugs, have no contact with his co-defendant, and not operate a vehicle without a valid license.
Lulich’s initial appearance was scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on June 1.
