La Crescent Police Chase Ends in Dramatic Standoff on the Mississippi River Near Cass Street Bridge
LA CRESCENT, MINNESOTA — A late-night police pursuit involving the La Crescent Police Department ended in a tense standoff on the Mississippi River early Saturday after a suspect fled across state lines and refused to surrender, authorities said.
According to a police release, the incident began around 3:00 a.m. when La Crescent officers were called to assist the Houston County Sheriff’s Office with a report of domestic violence and a stolen vehicle.
High-Speed Chase Across State Lines
An officer located the suspect vehicle driving through Hokah, Minnesota, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the suspect sped away at over 100 miles per hour, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
The chase crossed into Wisconsin, where it ultimately came to a halt beneath the Cass Street Bridge in La Crosse after the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Police said the man ran toward the Mississippi River, jumped in, and tried to escape by climbing onto an anchored barge.
Standoff on the River
Authorities said the suspect then climbed onto a tall industrial structure and threatened to jump if officers approached.
“After several hours of careful negotiation and de-escalation, the suspect was eventually apprehended,” La Crescent Police said in a statement.
The man was safely taken into custody after negotiators convinced him to surrender. He was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation before being booked into the La Crosse County Jail, where he awaits extradition to Minnesota.
Suspect Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Police have not yet released the suspect’s name, but officials confirmed he faces a lengthy list of felony charges, including:
- Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle
- Domestic Violence Resulting in Strangulation
- Second-Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Motor Vehicle Theft
Authorities said the cooperation between Minnesota and Wisconsin law enforcement agencies was critical to bringing the situation to a peaceful end.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have ended much worse,” an officer at the scene told WKBT. “The patience and coordination between agencies helped ensure everyone went home safe.”
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