Man Convicted on 17 Counts After 18-Mile Chase

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Chaz Young, 27, was convicted on 15 counts, including recklessly endangering safety, eluding an officer, and criminal damage to property, after leading police on an 18-mile chase that ended at the Fond du Lac Municipal Airport. The pursuit began when a Fond du Lac County deputy recognized Young's vehicle from a previous chase and attempted a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed chase that involved the vehicle entering airport property before a successful PIT maneuver brought the chase to an end.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases, which can put both officers and the public at risk. The fact that the chase ended at an active airport raises additional concerns about the potential for catastrophic incidents when pursuits involve sensitive infrastructure. The conviction also underscores the legal consequences for those who choose to flee from law enforcement.

The details

The chase began when a Fond du Lac County deputy noticed Young's vehicle on I-41 and recognized it from a previous chase. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Young accelerated and led police on an 18-mile pursuit that went through multiple jurisdictions and eventually entered the Fond du Lac Municipal Airport. During the chase, a female passenger in Young's vehicle called 911 and could be heard screaming for help. Police deployed a tire deflation device and attempted PIT maneuvers, but Young continued to evade capture until a successful PIT maneuver caused him to enter the interstate's gore area, where he was boxed in by squad cars. A search of the area where Young had driven through a swamp revealed a backpack containing drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun that had been thrown from the vehicle.

• The chase began around 8 a.m. on May 19, 2026.
• The pursuit covered a distance of approximately 17.9 miles.

What’s next

A sentencing date for Chaz Young has not yet been set.