A multi-county vehicle pursuit in northern Wisconsin ended in an arrest after deputies tracked a vehicle linked to a series of reported thefts, according to information attributed to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
The incident reportedly began Thursday morning when Lincoln County deputies learned of a high-speed pursuit that had already involved Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties. Authorities said one vehicle was abandoned before another vehicle was allegedly taken. A separate incident in Minocqua reportedly involved approximately $1,000 in cash taken from a vehicle.
Shortly before 12:30 p.m., a Flock Safety license plate reader alert indicated that a vehicle had entered Lincoln County. Deputies located the vehicle near Irma along U.S. Highway 51 and continued the pursuit.
Merrill police reportedly deployed spike strips north of the city, puncturing two of the vehicle's tires. The driver allegedly continued toward Merrill along East Main Street, where the vehicle struck another motorist.
A deputy subsequently used a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle. Authorities said the driver fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase. The suspect was identified as Joshua Micke, 44, of Antigo.
**Deputy and Motorist Injuries**
According to the supplied report, a Lincoln County deputy suffered a serious hand injury that required surgery. The other motorist involved in the collision reportedly sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. Merrill police are handling the crash reports.
**Charges and Investigation**
Micke was reportedly booked into the Lincoln County Jail and faces five felony allegations: fleeing causing bodily harm, operating a vehicle without the owner's consent, resisting causing substantial bodily harm, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and hit-and-run causing injury.
The report also lists two misdemeanor allegations, a Langlade County warrant, and a Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation warrant. Formal charging documents and court proceedings will determine the final charges and the status of the case.
Investigators are asking anyone who traveled along U.S. Highway 51 near Irma, Highway 64, or East Main Street in Merrill around midday Thursday and has relevant dashcam footage to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at **715-536-6272**.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incidents and related vehicle reports across the affected counties.
**Legal notice:** All allegations remain unproven. Joshua Micke is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
*Editorial note: This report is based on the information supplied. Confirm the incident details, charge wording, and court status with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office or official court records before publication.*
