CUMBERLAND, WI -- An 18-year-old male has been arrested following a high-speed pursuit from authorities after he allegedly was intoxicated and offering shots of alcohol to other people while at Kwik Trip, according to a press release from the Cumberland Police Department.
Press Release
On November 24, 2021, Cumberland Police Department was dispatched to Kwik Trip in the City of Cumberland for an intoxicated male subject parked at the gas pumps, offering people shots of alcohol.
A Cumberland Police Officer made contact with the male who was identified as 18-year-old, Ruben Juarez. Juarez became upset while speaking with the officer and refused to hand his keys to the officer or exit his vehicle. Juarez appeared intoxicated as his eyes were red and glossy, his speech was slurred, and the odor of intoxicants was emitting from him as he spoke. Juarez told the officer if she touched her radio (to contact other officers) he would “take off.” The Officer needed to radio to responding Officers and when she did, Juarez fled in his vehicle and a high rate of speed.
Cumberland Police Department and Barron County Sheriff’s Office pursued Juarez with their emergency lights and siren active in an attempt to stop Juarez. A pursuit of the vehicle ensued for less than one mile. Once on Elm Street, Juarez veered into the opposite land of traffic, intentionally striking the curb and launching his vehicle into Library Lake.
Juarez refused to cooperate with commands given by officers and stated he had a gun. He told officers multiple times “shoot me, just shoot me.” Officers negotiated with Juarez for nearly one hour until he was assisted by Cumberland Fire Department to shore. Juarez was transported to Cumberland Healthcare as he had been in the water for approximately one hour and had minor abrasions from the crash.
The Cumberland Police Department was assisted by the Barron County Sheriff’s office, Rice Lake Police Department, Wisconsin DNR, Cumberland Fire Department, and Cumberland Healthcare EMS. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured during this incident.
- Per Chief Heather Wolfe, Cumberland Police Department.
Last Update: Nov 30, 2021 1:58 pm CST
