Wisconsin Tow-Truck Driver on Meth Crashes Into Madison Squad Car in Fiery Monona Chase, Cops Say
MONONA, Wisconsin — A reckless tow-truck chase across Monona left a Madison K-9 officer seriously injured after the driver plowed into his squad car, according to police and dashcam video released by investigators.
High-Speed Chaos Through Monona
The incident began around 2 p.m. Saturday, when Monona police received reports of a tow truck driving dangerously on Highway 51, nearly striking multiple vehicles before pulling into a BP gas station on East Broadway.
When officers approached, the driver — identified as 36-year-old Christopher Brugger — sped off, jumping a curb onto Broadway, weaving through parking lots, and running multiple red lights. At one point, the sedan strapped to the flatbed slid off and crashed into the roadway as Brugger barreled through traffic.
Squad Car Engulfed in Flames After Collision
The chase ended when Brugger swerved into oncoming traffic on Terminal Drive and slammed head-on into a Madison police squad car driven by Officer Ryan Kimberley, a K-9 handler with the department.
Kimberley’s squad car erupted in flames just after other officers pulled him and his K-9 partner, Freddie, to safety. Kimberley suffered severe injuries to his extremities and has already undergone multiple surgeries, according to Capital K9s, the nonprofit that supports Madison’s K-9 unit. Freddie sustained a cut to his paw and is recovering with handlers.
Long Criminal Record, Dozens of Charges
Prosecutors are seeking an extensive list of charges against Brugger, including felony first-degree recklessly endangering safety, felony hit-and-run causing great bodily harm, felony attempted eluding, felony operating after revocation causing great bodily harm, and six counts of reckless driving.
The Wisconsin State Patrol also arrested him on tentative charges of a fourth OWI, possession of methamphetamine, and resisting an officer. His record includes convictions for fleeing police, battery by prisoners, and three prior OWIs, with most of the last 12 years spent in prison.
Police Chief: “We Have a Problem With Repeat Offenders”
Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney suggested Brugger may have intentionally targeted the squad car and said the case highlights a systemic issue.
“We have a problem here in our community, here in Dane County, with repeat offenders. Something needs to be done. In my years of experience, I can tell you it’s the same folks doing the same criminal acts,” Chaney said.
Community Support for Injured Officer
A fundraising page on zeffy.com has been created to support Kimberley and his family during his recovery. Community members and fellow officers have rallied to donate as he faces a long road to rehabilitation.
The Monona chase underscores the dangers police face from repeat offenders and reckless drivers. For more Wisconsin crime updates and community safety news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.