Drunk Driver Rams Sheriff Squad, Drives Wrong Way On I-94 In Chase

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — Early Sunday morning as Brookfield was reeling from an apparent hostage situation on Moorland Road, another danger took flight in the area.

The driver, Steven P. Dixon Jr., age 24, of Madison, reportedly fled police at a high rate of speed, fled the wrong way down I-94, rammed a Waukesha County Sheriff's squad, fled his car and continued to resist arrest, until the deputy deployed his Taser to gain control of him.

Just after 3 a.m., a deputy saw a vehicle deviating unsafely in lanes of traffic on I-94 westbound between General Mitchell Boulevard and Hawley Road. The operator did not stop, ignoring the deputy’s lights and siren, and the deputy began a pursuit, calling for assistance from the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and Brookfield Police Department as they approached the county line. The deputy requested placement of stop sticks on the freeway.

Two Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputies received injuries, including lacerations, bruising and a possible torn hamstring.

According to sheriff's officials, Dixon exited the freeway at Moorland Road, and re-entered again on the Moorland Road on-ramp. Waukesha sheriff’s deputies set stop sticks east of Barker Road, whichDixon struck, along with a pursuing deputy’s squad. Dixon's vehicle spun and struck a retaining wall, but then began driving the wrong way on I-94, heading eastbound in the westbound lanes.

Authorities say Dixon crossed over to the eastbound lanes at Calhoun Road, exited the freeway at Moorland Road, before entering a lot at the Country Inn and Suites Hotel. Dixon rammed a Waukesha County deputy’s squad in the parking lot causing severe damage to the squad. He then fled on foot. An MCSO deputy called in his location, and another MCSO deputy joined the foot pursuit and tackled the subject.

Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt said, “I commend our deputies, and the actions of Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Brookfield Police Department officers who risked their lives to apprehend this dangerous suspect.”

The pursuit covered just over 9 miles, and lasted 11 minutes. Dixon was transported by Brookfield Fire ambulance to Froedtert hospital for minor injuries from the crash, Taser aftercare, and a legal blood draw.

Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incidents that occurred in Waukesha County. Brookfield Police Department is writing the crash involving the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department squad.

Charges will be recommended: OWI-2nd, Operating While Revoked, Fleeing from an Officer, a felony, Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, 2nd Degree Endangering Safety, and citations for Unsafe Lane Deviation, Unreasonable and Imprudent Speed.

If convicted of these charges, he faces up to 14 years and 10 months in prison. Waukesha County will determine any additional charges upon review by their District Attorney’s Office.

Dixon is currently on probation for Fraud, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting/Obstructing, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Deliver.