Bemidji man in custody after leading Wisconsin state troopers on high-speed chase in stolen vehicle

A 44-year-old Bemidji man caused the Wisconsin State Patrol to go on a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle early Saturday morning. 

According to a news release, at 1:35 a.m., troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on westbound Interstate 94 in Jackson County near Black River Falls. 

The vehicle sped up to approximately 103 mph, but troopers were able to obtain the vehicle license plate and learned the vehicle was stolen. 

The vehicle continued to travel eastbound on Highway 54 until troopers successfully implemented a pursuit intervention technique. The state patrol stated that the vehicle then became disabled and crashed in the ditch crossing the railroad tracks.  

The suspect driver, Jame Allen Conner, fled the vehicle and attempted to swim across a pond to escape.  

Troopers subsequently arrested Conner and transported him to Jackson County Jail. 

He is being held on suspicion of fleeing and eluding law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without owner's consent, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and multiple felony warrants.