Wisconsin Driver Dies After Fleeing Traffic Stop and Crashing Into Truck in Niagara, DOJ Says
NIAGARA, Wis. — A Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation is underway after a 57-year-old man died during a police pursuit in Niagara earlier this month. Officials say the fatal crash happened moments after the driver fled from a routine traffic stop.
Deadly Crash After Driver Flees Niagara Officer
According to the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the incident began around 1:11 p.m. on Nov. 5, when Niagara Police Officer Rhianna Carne, who has two years of law enforcement experience, attempted to pull over a vehicle inside city limits.
Investigators say the driver — 57-year-old Steve Mecklenburg — sped away immediately. As he fled, Mecklenburg allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic on the 1000 block of Main Street, where he collided head-on with a commercial vehicle.
First responders tried to save him, but Mecklenburg was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured in the crash.
Officer Placed on Leave Following Standard Procedure
Officials confirmed that Officer Carne was placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol for any officer-involved death. There were no reports of shots fired; the fatality resulted solely from the crash.
State Agencies Now Leading the Investigation
The DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing all evidence, including crash reconstruction, dashcam footage, and witness interviews. Agencies assisting include:
- Wisconsin State Patrol
- Marinette County Sheriff’s Office
- Niagara Rescue
- Niagara Fire Department
- DCI Crime Response Specialists
Once the investigation is complete, DCI will forward all findings to the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Community Response and Ongoing Questions
Local residents say the crash shook the quiet border city, raising questions about pursuit safety and what led Mecklenburg to flee the stop. Authorities have not yet released information about the reason for the initial traffic stop or Mecklenburg’s driving record.
As the state continues its review, more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
Have thoughts on this story or tips about public safety issues near you? Share your voice with ChicagoMusicGuide.com — your perspective matters.