Two vehicles stolen before pursuit ends with a standoff

Listen to this article

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) — A man stole a van from a Wausau hospital at gunpoint and later another vehicle before leading officers on a chase that ended with a standoff, according to police.

The gunman took the van from Aspirus Wausau Hospital shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. An Aspirus employee was able to get out of the van without being hurt.

Officials said about 15 minutes later, dispatchers received a call that the man had entered a residence, took the homeowner’s car keys and stole the homeowner’s vehicle after abandoning the hospital van in the driveway.

A Marathon County sheriff’s deputy spotted the stolen car about a-half hour later and a pursuit with speeds of more than 100 mph began.

A pursuing deputy was able to pin the stolen car against a tree in Weston and a standoff began with the armed man. Police say a Marathon County sheriff’s lieutenant was able to convince the man to surrender after about 50 minutes.