Fond du Lac County, WI – A dramatic multi-county police pursuit ended Tuesday night with three arrests, a cache of illegal drugs and ammunition, and an ongoing search for a pink backpack that authorities believe may contain additional narcotics and a firearm.
Pursuit Begins on I-41 and Ends on Lincoln Road
The chase began around 8:50 p.m. on August 5, when the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Winnebago County deputies about a pursuit heading southbound on Interstate 41.
WAGB reported that the fleeing vehicle, registered out of Milwaukee, continued toward Fond du Lac County before a second pursuit ended near Lakeshore Drive and Lone Elm Road.
Deputies later located the suspect vehicle parked off the roadway near the W6000 block of Lincoln Road. Two individuals who had been inside were spotted walking nearby, while a third occupant initially remained unaccounted for.
Suspects Tracked with K9 and Drone
A perimeter was established with help from the Wisconsin State Patrol, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Winnebago County officers. Using a K9 unit and drone technology, officers eventually found the third suspect attempting to exit near White Pine Road, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Drugs and Ammunition Seized from Vehicle
Inside the abandoned vehicle, authorities recovered:
- 5 grams of cocaine
- 4.3 grams of crack cocaine, packaged for distribution
- 12 grams of psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- THC vape pens
- Ammunition
All three suspects, aged 18 to 28, were arrested on multiple drug-related charges, though names have not been released pending further investigation.
Missing Pink Backpack May Contain Handgun
Following interviews with the suspects, deputies learned about a pink backpack that had allegedly been ditched near a pine tree in the same W6000 block of Lincoln Road. The backpack is believed to contain additional drug-related materials and possibly a handgun.
Despite an extensive search of the area, the bag has not yet been found. Authorities are urging residents who live along Lakeshore Drive or Lincoln Road and may have seen the backpack to contact the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
“The investigation is still very active. Any public tips could help ensure that dangerous drugs or weapons don’t fall into the wrong hands,” the department stated.
Dangers of Drug Abuse
This incident once again highlights the broader dangers associated with drug trafficking and abuse, especially among young adults. Substances like cocaine, crack, and psilocybin are not only addictive but are often tied to violent criminal behavior, impaired driving, and long-term health issues.
Law enforcement urges the community to:
- Safely dispose of unused medications
- Report suspicious activity or trafficking tips
- Educate teens and young adults about drug risks
- Support community outreach programs
Community Involvement Is Key
As the search for the missing pink backpack continues, authorities hope that community awareness and involvement will help bring the final pieces of the case together.
Anyone with information should contact the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
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