MADISON (WKOW) — Multiple law enforcement agencies said charges are being referred for the driver who crashed a flat bed tow truck into a Madison police squad car on Sept. 27, injuring an officer and his K9 partner.
The Dane County Sheriff's Office said a charge of first-degree reckless injury against Christopher P. Brugger is being referred to the Dane County District Attorney's Office.
Additionally, the Monona Police Department said it intends to submit the following charges against Brugger, 36, of Madison:
- Felony first-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Felony operating after revocation causing great bodily harm
- Felony hit-and-run causing great bodily harm
- Felony attempted eluding
- Misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a peace officer
- Six counts of reckless driving
- Five counts of failure to stop at red signal
- Five counts of unreasonable and imprudent speed
- Five counts of unsafe lane deviation
- Three counts of failure to stop at stop sign
- Two counts of violation of driving on divided highway regulated
- Two counts of improper left turn
- One count of illegal U-turn
- One count of unsecured load
- One count of operating with expired registration
The Wisconsin State Patrol is also referring the following charges:
- Felony fourth offense OWI
- Felony possession of methamphetamines
- Misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a peace officer
Monona police first responded to a report of Brugger driving recklessly on Highway 51 on Sept. 27. As officers approached the truck parked at a gas station, dash cam video attached at the top of this article shows Brugger driving off. Madison officers also responded during the pursuit.
The video shows the driver weaving in and out of traffic and driving over multiple curb strips throughout the 7:27 second clip.
The pursuit ended on Terminal Drive when Brugger crashed the tow truck into a Madison police squad car.
The video was redacted and shortened by Monona police just before Brugger crashed.
The officer inside, Ryan Kimberley, and his K9 partner, Freddie, were pulled from the vehicle just before it caught fire. The K9 agency credits Monona and McFarland police officers with saving their lives. Kimberley has severe injuries.
Brugger tried to run after the crash, according to police. But officers caught him a short time later. He had an outstanding probation and parole warrant.
Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney said Brugger was involved in a previous crash with an Monona police car.
Brugger has prior convictions including: vehicle operator fleeing eluding, resisting/obstructing, felon in possession of firearm and resisting an officer.
Brugger remains in the Dane County Jail.
'Keeping K-9s in Kevlar' and '30x30 Fundraising' have established a fundraiser for Officer Kimberley and his family. The fundraising site says Kimberley has severe injuries to his extremities and already had several surgeries. K9 Freddie suffered a cut to his paw, but will be all right.
More at WKOW 27 News