$50,000 cash bail set for defendant involved in high-speed chase

Four felony charges have been filed against a 51-year-old Neopit man accused of striking another vehicle on State Highway 17 and then leading local law enforcement on a high-speed chase.

According to court records, Daniel Thunder has been charged with fleeing/eluding an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, physical abuse of elder person and taking a vehicle without consent, all felonies.

Three misdemeanor counts —resisting/obstructing an officer, criminal damage to property and hit and run were also filed Nov. 6.

Tracking with the criminal case are more than 20 traffic citations.

According to court records, Thunder made his initial appearance Wednesday afternoon before Judge Mary Sowinski at which time a $50,000 cash bond was set.

Thunder is due back in court on Dec. 2 for an adjourned initial appearance. 

According to the criminal complaint, a motorist called the sheriff’s office at approximately 1:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 to report that another motorist had struck their vehicle while attempting to pass in a no passing zone.

This took place on Highway 17 North at Chick-A-Dee Peek Road, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Once the vehicles pulled over, the striking vehicle hit the caller again,” according to the sheriff’s office. “The caller stated that the operator of the striking vehicle was attempting to start an altercation with the caller. Oneida County deputies responded and observed the vehicle leaving the accident (scene).”

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle but it accelerated and a pursuit was initiated. During the course of the pursuit, Thunder committed several traffic offenses including reaching speeds of over 100 mph, failing to stop for stop signs and traffic signals, operating in the oncoming lane of travel and passing on the right, the complaint alleges.

The chase ended after Thunder turned down a logging road, according to the complaint. 

As a precautionary measure, Rhinelander schools were put on administrative lockdown during the pursuit, the department advised.

The complaint indicates the recklessly endangering safety charge is related to Thunder’s alleged conduct toward the other motorist on Highway 17. The physical abuse of elder person charge is also related to that motorist, according to the complaint.

According to the complaint, two small bottles of whiskey, a 12-pack of beer and a bottle of a rum liquor were found in the vehicle following the arrest.

The officer’s reports also indicate the presence of the odor of intoxicants.

If convicted of the felony counts, Thunder faces more than 30 years in prison.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected]