High-Speed Chase Ends With Standoff on Mississippi River Barge

La Crescent, MN (KROC-AM News) - A report of a domestic assault and vehicle theft in La Crescent led to a high-speed chase and standoff with law enforcement early Saturday morning.

The La Crescent Police Department says it received a call around 3 a.m. to assist the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and the responding officer located the suspect vehicle traveling through Hokah, Minnesota. A news release says that when the La Crescent officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Suspect Flees at 100 MPH Before Jumping in River

The statement says the pursuit continued into Wisconsin and ended below the Cass Street Bridge in La Crosse. At that point, the suspect abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled on foot before jumping into the Mississippi River.

According to La Crescent police, the man was able to swim to an anchored barge and refused to surrender. The news release says the standoff continued when the suspect climbed a ladder, accessed the top of a tall industrial structure, and threatened to jump if officers approached.

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Standoff on Barge Ends After Hours of Negotiation

After several hours of negotiation, the suspect eventually surrendered. He was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, then booked into the La Crosse County Jail, where he awaits extradition to Minnesota.

La Crescent police say he is expected to face felony charges that include fleeing a police officer, domestic assault by strangulation, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and motor vehicle theft. His name has not been released.