TOWN of GRAND CHUTE – A fatal crash Jan 3, 2024 in the town of Grand Chute where a retail theft suspect died is not considered an “officer-involved death,” according to Outagamie County District Attorney Mindy Tempelis.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation released Tempelis’ determination Tuesday. It is now considered a death investigation, according to the DCI.
The fatal crash happened after Town of Grand Chute Police Department received a report of someone allegedly committing retail theft at the Fleet Farm.
When officers arrived, they approached the subject who fled in a vehicle, exited the parking lot and fled at a high rate of speed, according to a DCI news release.
The suspect then lost control of the vehicle approximately two blocks away, collided with another vehicle, and crashed into a tree.
Lifesaving measures were attempted, but the subject died at the scene. The two occupants of the other vehicle were taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The responding officer’s vehicle had a squad camera during the incident.
DCI is leading the death investigation with assistance from Wisconsin State Patrol, a DCI Crime Response Specialist, and members of DCI’s Digital Evidence Unit.
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