Eau Claire County, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin woman allegedly reached speeds of 125 mph while fleeing state troopers before a pursuing officer was found severely injured on a roadway beneath an overpass, according to police.
Martell Tolbert Mitchell, 47, is facing multiple criminal charges following the high-speed pursuit Monday. She was charged with eluding or fleeing an officer in a vehicle and recklessly endangering safety, along with separate drug-related charges.
Authorities say the pursuit began after Illinois State Police notified Wisconsin authorities about a driver who had allegedly fled a traffic stop.
Police Say Driver Accelerated During Traffic Stop Attempt
According to a criminal complaint obtained by local authorities, Wisconsin State Patrol later spotted Tolbert Mitchell’s vehicle in Eau Claire County.
Troopers attempted to conduct another traffic stop, but investigators allege that Mitchell instead accelerated away. Troopers reportedly observed the vehicle traveling 76 mph in a 60 mph construction zone before attempting to stop it.
Rather than slowing down, Mitchell allegedly increased her speed.
According to the complaint, one Wisconsin trooper reported that his speedometer reached 125 mph, and the suspect’s vehicle was still moving fast enough to pass him. The pursuit then continued along Interstate 94.
I-94 Closed as Troopers Deploy Spike Strips
As the chase continued, authorities took steps to stop the vehicle and protect other motorists.
Police closed a section of I-94 while Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Brad Ritger positioned himself on an overpass to deploy spike strips. The tactic worked.
The spike strips successfully disabled Mitchell’s vehicle, which eventually came to a stop in a ditch. Mitchell was then taken into custody.
Investigators said they also found cocaine, THC, packaging materials and a digital scale in the vehicle or in Mitchell’s possession.
Those discoveries resulted in additional criminal charges.
Trooper Found Severely Injured Below Overpass
The situation took an unexpected and serious turn after the vehicle was stopped. According to the criminal complaint, other troopers eventually realized they had lost contact with Ritger.
He was later found severely injured on the roadway below the overpass where he had deployed the spike strips. Ritger was reportedly revived at the scene before being transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not determined exactly how the trooper ended up falling from the overpass. The complaint does not establish that Mitchell’s vehicle struck Ritger, and she was not charged in connection with the trooper’s injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the fall remain under investigation.
Police Say Mitchell Made Unsolicited Comments
Investigators also documented comments Mitchell allegedly made while she was being arrested.
According to the complaint, she reportedly “made unsolicited comments that she did not hit anybody” and claimed that if a law enforcement officer was injured, it was not her fault because that was their job.
Police did not charge Mitchell specifically over Ritger’s injuries. However, prosecutors have charged her with fleeing police and recklessly endangering safety based on the alleged pursuit.
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Drug Charges Add to Case
The high-speed chase was not the only reason Mitchell is facing criminal proceedings.
Authorities also charged her with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of THC with intent to distribute. Police said packaging materials and a digital scale were found along with the suspected drugs.
Mitchell was not listed on an inmate roster from the Dunn County Jail posted Thursday, according to the report. Her case remains pending, and the allegations against her have not been established as facts in court.
Next Court Date Set for September 28
Mitchell’s next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 28.
Meanwhile, questions remain about what happened to Trooper Ritger after the spike strips were deployed and before he was discovered injured below the overpass.
Authorities have not publicly determined how he fell, and the available charging documents do not accuse Mitchell of causing his injuries.
The case now involves a high-speed pursuit, multiple criminal charges and a seriously injured Wisconsin State Patrol trooper, while investigators continue working to establish the full sequence of events.
What do you think about this 125-mph police chase and the circumstances surrounding the injured trooper? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
