Bemidji man arrested after leading authorities on chase in stolen vehicle through Jackson County

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis.– A Bemidji, Minnesota, man is in custody after allegedly leading authorities on a chase in a stolen vehicle through Jackson County. Wisconsin State Patrol identified the driver as James Allen Connor, 44.

The high-speed pursuit happened on Saturday at 1:35 a.m. After trying to stop the vehicle for speeding on I-94 at milepost 122 westbound near Black River Falls, the vehicle reached 103 miles per hour. Troopers were able to obtain the vehicle’s license plate information and learned it was stolen.

The vehicle continued to travel eastbound on Highway 54 until troopers successfully implemented a pursuit intervention technique. The vehicle was disabled and crashed in the ditch crossing the railroad tracked.

Connor fled the vehicle. He then attempted to swim across a pond to evade authorities.

Connor was arrested by troopers and transported to the Jackson County jail.

Authorities will be charging Coonor with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple felony warrants.

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