Posted: Sunday, March 14, 2010 --- 1:13 a.m.

Release from Dane County Sheriff's Department:

Madison, WI. March 13, 2010 – At 5:55 p.m., a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a vehicle near Highway M and Blue Bill Park Drive in the Town of Westport.

The license plate came back to Chad G. Martin, 38, of Madison. Martin had two active warrants for Theft and a Probation Violation.

The deputy turned his squad around to initiate a traffic stop. When he did so, the deputy could no longer see Martin’s GMC pick-up truck. Shortly thereafter, the deputy located Martin in a residential neighborhood off Walden Bay Drive. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and informed Martin of his warrants. Martin then proceeded to drive away from the traffic stop. Martin quickly accelerated once he reached Blue Bill Park Drive and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit traveled from Blue Bill Park Drive to Highway M. Martin proceeded south on Highway 113 (Northport Drive) at a speed of 80 mph. At the intersection of Northport and Kennedy Drive, Martin failed to stop at the stop lights. Martin then turned north onto Mandrake Road. As Martin drove over several speed bumps a spare tire came out of the back of his truck. Martin continued on Mandrake Road and again failed to stop at a stop sign at Mandrake and Northland Drive. Martin refused to stop for the deputy despite the audible siren and red and blue flashing lights. As Martin approached the T-intersection of Mandrake Road and Monica Lane, he crashed into a tree.

Martin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered minor injuries. He was transported, via ambulance, to a local hospital.

The pursuit lasted less than three minutes and covered 3.1 miles.

Following medical treatment, Martin will be charged with Eluding and Recklessly Endangering Safety.