Winona Teen Fatally Injured in Police Chase
La Crosee, WI (KROC-AM News) - Injuries stemming from a crash during a high-speed chase in La Crosse on Sunday have claimed the life of a Winona teenager.
The La Crosse Police Department issued a statement today indicating 19-year-old DeShawn Huff died Tuesday at a La Crosse Hospital, where he had been listed in critical condition.
Officials say Huff was spotted late Sunday afternoon in La Crosse driving an SUV that had been reported stolen on Saturday. When a La Crosse officer attempted a traffic stop, Huff sped away at speeds reaching 60 mph through downtown La Crosse. The pursuit ended when Huff lost control and the SUV crashed into Swift Creek.
Officials say the young man was able to exit the vehicle, but was unable to grab onto the rescue ropes that were thrown to him by the officers involved in the chase. Huff was eventually pulled from the creek by members of the La Crosse Fire Department dive-rescue team, who arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is in charge of the investigation into the deadly incident.