Arrest. MWC file photo
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — An Antigo man has been arrested after law enforcement officers say he stole multiple vehicles and led deputies on high-speed chases across several counties on Thursday.
Joshua D. Micke, 44, was taken into custody in Merrill following a multi-county crime spree. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began Thursday morning after Micke fled from officers through Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties in a stolen vehicle. After abandoning that car, he stole a second vehicle in Langlade County.
FLOCK safety cameras tracked Micke entering Lincoln County southbound on US 51 around 12:30 PM. When deputies attempted a traffic stop near Irma, Micke sped off, initiating another high-speed pursuit.
Merrill police officers deployed spike strips to deflate two of the car’s tires, but Micke continued driving into the city. After hitting another car on East Main Street, a deputy executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. Micke fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.
The civilian driver suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. A Lincoln County deputy suffered a serious hand injury during the incident that required surgery. In total, Micke is suspected of stealing at least three vehicles and leading multiple pursuits.
He was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on numerous felony charges—including fleeing an officer causing bodily harm, 1st-degree recklessly endangering safety, operating a vehicle without consent, and resisting an officer causing substantial bodily harm—along with outstanding arrest warrants.
Officers believe he also stole $1,000 in cash from a vehicle in Minocqua.
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