Bail reduced for defendant charged with recklessly endangering safety

An Oneida County judge has reduced bond in the case of a 51-year-old Neopit man accused of purposefully striking another vehicle on State Highway 17 and then leading local law enforcement on a high-speed chase.

According to online court records, Daniel Thunder appeared in Oneida County Circuit Court Dec. 30 at which time it was reported that the public defender’s office is still searching for an attorney to represent him on four felony charges filed on Nov. 6 — fleeing/eluding an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, physical abuse of elder person and taking a vehicle without consent.

Three misdemeanor counts —resisting/obstructing an officer, criminal damage to property and hit and run were also filed in November. In addition, more than 20 traffic citations are tracking with the criminal case.

Judge Mary Sowinski originally set a $50,000 cash bond but court records show she reduced the amount to $40,000 during the Dec. 30 appearance.

Another adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for Jan. 28.

According to the criminal complaint, a motorist called the sheriff’s office at approximately 1:45 p.m. 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, the complaint alleges 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 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 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 four felony counts, Thunder faces more than 30 years in prison.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected]