4 Departments Respond To Stop Reckless Motorcycle Driver: Report

RACINE COUNTY, WI — Authorities in Racine County say four different departments helped to pull over a reckless motorcycle driver who "flipped off" officers, ignored traffic signals and ended up crashing in a construction area.

Police say that motorcycle rider, a 20 year old Illinois man, was taken into custody following the crash.

According to police, at just before 1 a.m. Friday, a Mount Pleasant police officer reported seeing two sport bike motorcycles heading north on Highway 31. The officer reported seeing them ignore a red traffic light at the intersection of Highway 31 and 20. The officer said the vehicles then took off at a high rate of speed towards Caledonia.

A short time later, two Caledonia squads saw the same motorcycles traveling 82 miles per hour in the 45 mile per hour on Highway 31 near W. Johnson Ave., and tried to pull them over.

According to Caledonia police, instead of pulling over, one of the riders "flipped the bird" to the lead officer and took off again at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was terminated quickly based on the speeds and upcoming road construction zone.

Caledonia police said the motorcycles parted ways, with one of them entering the road closed area. After realizing the road truly was closed, the motorcycle turned around and began driving south again. A Racine Sheriffs squad saw the motorcycle on Highway 31 near Highway MM and again tried to make a traffic stop. The motorcycle again fled. The deputy did not pursue, but continued to follow at a distance.

Authorities said the motorcycle continued to drive recklessly and ended up on Braun Road, again in a construction area, where the rider lost control and wiped out.

The rider, a 20 year old Illinois man, was taken into custody following the crash. He sustained minor road rash and declined medical assistance. Authorities said he was arrested on suspicion of fleeing an officer and recklessly endangering safety.

Police said the man was issued several traffic citations from Caledonia, Mount Pleasant police departments, and Racine County Sheriffs Department. Citations included operating while suspended, reckless driving, violating a red light, and driving on a closed roadway. Sturtevant police also assisted at the crash location.