On December 23, 2019, at approximately 12:30 am, the Mar-Mac Police Department was notified of a vehicle pursuit entering the city of Marquette involving the Prairie du Chien Police Department.
Upon entering Marquette, the fleeing vehicle exited US Highway 18 onto Marquette Drive, traveled through downtown Marquette, and onto Pleasant Ridge Drive. The fleeing vehicle turned onto Bloody Run Road, in front of the Mar-Mac Police Department.
The fleeing vehicle continued past the police department until it collided with a chain link fence support post.
The vehicle, driven by Thomas D. Wiemerslage Jr., from McGregor, was severely damaged with air bag deployment. Wiemerslage was transported to Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with injuries.
During the investigation, statements were made which lead to believe Wiemerslage operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. A search warrant to obtain a specimen of Wiemerslage’s blood was submitted and approved. Wiemerslage’s blood specimen was sent to the Iowa DCI Crime Lab for analysis. On February 13, 2020, Wiemerslage’s blood specimen registered a positive screen for amphetamines and methamphetamine.
Complaint and affidavits were filed accusing Wiemerslage of Eluding – Injury, OWI, Drugs (Class D Felony), Operating While Under the Influence 2nd Offense (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Driving While License Revoked (Serious Misdemeanor); and was cited for Striking Fixtures Upon a Highway, Failure to Maintain Control, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability – Accident.
The Mar-Mac Police Department was assisted by the Prairie du Chien Police Department and the La Crosse Police Department. Responding to the scene included Mar-Mac EMS, McGregor Hook and Ladder, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and Bud’s Towing.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Robert Millin, Chief of Police
Mar-Mac Police Department
