$15,000 cash bond set for ER man accused of recklessly endangering safety

A 37-year-old Eagle River man is being held in the Oneida County jail on $15,000 cash bail after he allegedly committed several traffic violations in an attempt to elude police officers, putting occupants of other vehicles traveling on the roadways “at risk of great bodily harm or death.”

According to a criminal complaint filed Feb. 26, Jeffrey P. Rupert is facing a total of five felonies: one count of second degree recklessly endangering safety, two counts of felony bail jumping, one count of vehicle operator flee/elude office, OWI (7, 8, or 9) and ignition interlock device tampering/fail to install.

The complaint alleges that Rupert operated a vehicle in excess of 95 miles per hour in 35 mph zone on winding roads while allegedly attempting to elude police. The police report also states that he failed to signal when turning and did not make complete stops at stop signs, potentially putting other motorists at risk.

This incident took place on Sunday morning, Feb 25, after an Oneida County officer attempted a traffic stop. Rupert allegedly traveled over 2 miles before he was stopped and taken into custody, the complaint states. 

Drug paraphernalia was located during the stop, according to the complaint. 

Citing Rupert’s previous criminal history and multiple open felony cases in Vilas County, Oneida County district attorney Jillian Pfeifer requested bond be set at $20,000 cash.

“I do think a high cash bond is appropriate,” she said. “He has illustrated on multiple occasions he cannot comply with conditions set by the court even after posting cash.”

Judge Mike Schiek agreed with Pfeifer that the conduct described in the complaint is “aggravated in nature” and set bond at $15,000 cash.

The case will be transferred to Judge Mike Bloom’s docket for further proceedings.