Friday, July 4, 2008 --- 10:30 a.m.

According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office:

On July 4, 2008, at 2:29 a.m., a Deputy from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle that drove into the Deputy’s lane of traffic. The Deputy had to take evasive action and drove off the road, across the shoulder, and into a ditch in order to avoid being struck. The vehicle, a green colored 1999 Ford Taurus, was reported stolen by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. 36-year-old Wendy L. Romack of Janesville, who was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 51, north of Consolidated School Road, operated the Taurus.

After the Deputy had activated his squad’s emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle traveled northbound on U.S. Highway 51 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle failed to yield to the Deputy’s lights and sirens and continued to travel north, into the south side of the City of Edgerton. The City of Edgerton Police Department also assisted with the pursuit. The vehicle left the city southbound, on U.S. Highway 51. A Rock County Deputy was able to successfully deploy a set of ‘stop-sticks’ in order to disable the vehicle. The Taurus turned west onto Fulton Town Hall Road, driving behind a residence. Romack attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by Rock County Deputies and Edgerton Police.

Wendy Romack was taken into custody and transported to the Rock County Jail. Wendy Romack was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent, Knowingly Fleeing an Officer, Operating While Intoxicated-2nd Offense, and several other charges. The length of the pursuit was approximately 6.4 miles, lasting approximately 8 minutes.