Kwik Trip Donation Jar Theft Turns Into High-Speed Chase: Report

RACINE COUNTY, WI -- Authorities in Racine County are searching for a man accused of stealing money from a donation jar at a local Kwik Trip gas station. They also say the man, later identified as Keith J. Jones, 56, of Milwaukee, led police on a high-speed chase through two counties before eventually eluding capture.

According to a Racine County Sheriff's report, at just before 9 a.m. Monday, they learned that Jones stole a donation jar from the Kwik Trip at Highway 20 and the East Frontage Road in Racine County. Sheriff's officials said that a deputy on patrol near I-41 and Highway G was about to make a traffic stop when a vehicle matching the description of Jones' vehicle drove by his location. The deputy caught up with Jones just south of the Racine and Milwaukee County line and was able to verify it was in fact the person authorities were looking for.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle by activating both his emergency lights and siren, but authorities say Jones continued driving on I-41 until he exited at Ryan Rd. Sheriff's officials said Jones drove east on Ryan Rd., failing to yield to the deputy and reaching speeds of about 80 miles per hour.

Sheriff's officials said Jones continued on Ryan Rd. until he reached Pennsylvania Ave., at which point he turned back to the west. As Jones continued, he turned south onto Highway 38, where an Oak Creek Police officer attempted to deploy spike strips to disable his vehicle.

Officials said Jones was able to avoid the strips and continued on Highway 38. Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said that Jones' driving became very reckless, who was seen passing on double yellow lines, traveling at high speeds and showing a "total disregard for any other motorists."

The pursuing deputy made the decision to break off the pursuit for the safety of residents living in the area. Following the pursuit, the deputy conducted an investigation of the incident, and was able to identify the driver as Jones.

Authorities are pursuing charges of felony eluding an officer, recklessly endangering safety as well as other moving violations and traffic charges with the Racine County District Attorney's office.

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