Motorcyclist Leads Deputy on 120MPH Chase Through Town of Brookfield

A motorcyclist drove through two red lights as he led authorities on a chase that exceeded speeds of 120 miles per hour through the Town of Brookfield, charges allege.

Michael W. Klaviter, 23, of Germantown, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court Friday with attempting to flee an officer, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle after revocation of his license. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and $14,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

At 12:07 a.m. Friday, a Waukesha County sheriff's deputy was parked in the median of I-94 near Sunnyslope Road and saw a westbound motorcycle following a tractor trailer by less than 10 feet. The deputy pulled out to follow the motorcycle, which was driven by Klaviter, but heard the motorcycle engine rev and saw it take off at more than 100 miles per hour.

Klaviter turned off his rear taillight and exited I-94 at Highway 18. When he got to the top of the ramp, he turned on his taillight back on again, but then saw the deputy’s squad following him onto the ramp and sped off again.

Klaviter topped 100 miles per hour on Springdale Road, then slowed to 80mph before running a red light at Bluemound Road. The deputy reached 121 miles per hour while continuing to chase Klaviter, who then ran another red light at Johnson Road, before trying to make a U-turn at North Avenue, instead turning westbound onto that road.

Klaviter lost control of the motorcycle, drove off the road and was arrested. A search found he had a bag of marijuana and a pipe.

Klaviter told the deputy he didn’t have a valid license and that’s why he didn’t pull over.