3 Wis. Police Officers Injured, 7 Cruisers Severely Damaged in Chase

A man is in custody after three police officers were taken to the hospital for nonlife threatening injuries following a vehicle chase that left seven squad cars severely damaged Thursday morning in Eau Claire.

The incident began after a call came in at 6:42 a.m. reporting a man driving a vehicle on a bike trail in Eau Claire.

Nathan D. Stevens, 41, of Eau Claire was arrested after initially eluding officers.

Eau Claire police pursued Stevens along the trail but that pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns for the general community, according to a release from the police department.

However, Stevens continued to drive in a dangerous manner, nearly hitting a pedestrian, jumping curbs, running stop signs and driving into oncoming traffic on the west side of the city.

"Steven's actions were dangerous and threatened the lives of those present," police said.

Due to the driver's escalating actions, officers attempted to immobilize his vehicle several times using either stop sticks, box-in or PIT maneuvers.

The vehicle pursuit ended in a field off of Prospect Drive, when officers were able to box-in Stevens' vehicle.

"Stevens then drove into the surrounding police vehicles in an attempt to flee," police said. "Ultimately, officers used a squad car to ram Stevens' vehicle to end his assaultive behavior."

Several squad cars were severely damaged.

After he refused commands to exit the vehicle, police said non-lethal force was used including pepper balls. He was taken into custody around 7:20 a.m.

Three officers were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. They have since been treated and released.

Seven squad cars sustained damages, five of which are likely "a total loss," police said.

Stevens was believed to be under the influence of an intoxicant, police reported. Methamphetamine was located in his vehicle.

Stevens was brought to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

He was arrested on preliminary charges of fleeing/ eluding an officer, hit-andrun with injury, possession of methamphetamine, recklessly endangering safety, resisting, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and probation hold.

Additional charges are likely.

In March 2022 Stevens was found guilty of battery to a law enforcement officer and ordered six months jail time.

His probation was revoked and he was sentenced to prison on July 22, 2022.

Stevens was released from prison and paroled on March 27, police said.

"This was an extremely dangerous event. I am thankful for the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by our officers in order to protect the safety of our community," Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus said. "We thank the Eau Claire community for their support and cooperation throughout this incident."

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