Motorcycle Pursuit Leads to OWI Arrest in Grant County

On 08/10/2024 at approximately 12:46AM, A Grant County Deputy was south bound on Highway 61, near Abing Road when he observed a motorcycle traveling north bound at speeds of 90mph.

The Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the motorcycle near Substation Road. The motorcycle failed to stop, continued to accelerate, and a pursuit ensued. The motorcycle turned down Hudson Hollow Road, where the pursuit was terminated for safety.

Deputies were later able to identify and stop the motorcycle near the Ellenboro Tavern, where the operator was identified as Albert Wharton, 42, of Fennimore, Wisconsin.

During the course of the investigation, Deputies also determined Wharton to be intoxicated. Wharton was arrested and cited for Speeding in a 55mph zone (30-34mph), OWI 1st Offense, Operating with a Prohibited Alcohol Content 1st Offense, and Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer. Wharton was transported to the Grant County Jail, and later released to a responsible party.

**Persons arrested/or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. An arrest only indicates probable cause exists to bring formal charges.** The names of victims and witnesses to a crime have been withheld per Wisconsin Statute ยง950.04.