High-speed chase closes U.S. Hwy. 8 for almost an hour

A court date of March 3 is expected for a 41-year-old Crandon man after a high-speed chase down U.S. Highway 8 on Feb. 18.

Driving a 2009 black Ford Edge reportedly “all over the road” at speeds of up to 95 mph, Daniel Lee Zarda Jr. led Crandon police officers into Oneida County at nearly half past noon. There, his vehicle lost a tire and came to a stop in a ditch near the highway’s intersection with Browns Road.

The potentially intoxicated Zarda refused to comply with commands, prompting the deployment of several rounds of pepperballs into his vehicle. After an arrest team was formed, he was able to be removed from the vehicle and was arrested by Crandon police officers. 

They were assisted at the scene by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Forest County Sheriff’s Office, Rhinelander Police Department, Three Lakes Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Oneida County Ambulance.

Hwy. 8 was closed for about 50 minutes during the incident.

Zarda was charged in Forest County with counts of unreasonable and imprudent speed, operating left of center, reckless driving-endanger safety, and fail/maintain door/hood/trunk.

At press time, more charges were expected to be made prior to the March 3 court date.

In addition, charges of felony fleeing and resisting/obstructing an officer were expected to be referred to the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office.

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].