Trooper Fatality During Pursuit
Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger Dies Following Interstate Bridge Fall
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The pursuit began around 2 a.m. after an Illinois state trooper reported a vehicle fleeing in Boone County, Illinois. A Wisconsin trooper later clocked it at 76 mph in a 60 mph construction zone; the driver accelerated to 100 mph, and the trooper reached 125 mph during the chase.
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The interstate was closed from Exit 52 to Exit 70 while tire-deflation devices were deployed. The pursued vehicle hit the spikes and came to rest in a ditch in Dunn County; Ritger had deployed spikes on the I-94 bridge over 490th Avenue.
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Ritger was a member of the State Patrol’s 67th Recruit Class and held certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector.
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The Wisconsin State Patrol said Ritger approached situations with professionalism and integrity and had a positive presence, while state agencies said his dedication to his family and commitment to his profession would not be forgotten.
Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger, 29, died on October 2 from injuries he sustained when he fell from an Interstate 94 bridge on September 21. KSTP reported that Ritger fell while deploying tire-deflation devices during a high-speed vehicle pursuit near the Dunn County-Eau Claire County line. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, he could not be saved.
Ritger had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol's Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in Dunn County. FOX11 noted he was a member of the patrol's 67th Recruit Class and held multiple certifications, including general law enforcement instructor and mobile field force team member. State officials praised his professionalism, integrity, and positive presence within the law enforcement community.
High-Speed Pursuit Across State Lines
The chase began around 2 a.m. when an Illinois state trooper reported a vehicle fleeing in Boone County, Illinois. JSONLine reported that a Wisconsin trooper later clocked the vehicle traveling 76 mph in a 60 mph construction zone. The driver then accelerated to 100 mph, prompting the trooper to reach speeds of 125 mph during the pursuit.
As the pursuit continued into Wisconsin, the Interstate 94 was closed from Exit 52 to Exit 70 while law enforcement deployed tire-deflation devices to stop the fleeing vehicle. GazetteXtra reported that the pursued vehicle hit the spikes and came to rest in a ditch in Dunn County, ending the chase.
Tragedy During Spike Deployment on Bridge
Ritger was positioned on the I-94 bridge over 490th Avenue to deploy tire-deflation spikes when he fell onto the roadway below. The exact circumstances of how he fell from the bridge remain unclear, though he was attempting to take cover as part of the standard pursuit response. Emergency responders arrived quickly and provided immediate lifesaving care at the scene.
Ritger was transported to a hospital where he received critical medical care for his injuries. Yahoo reported that despite the intensive treatment efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on October 2, more than a week after the fall.
Remembered for Dedication and Service
Before joining the State Patrol, Ritger had worked for approximately three years with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He earned certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector during his tenure. His colleagues noted his commitment to professional excellence and service.
The Wisconsin State Patrol released a statement honoring Ritger's legacy, saying he approached situations with professionalism and integrity while maintaining a positive presence. State agencies emphasized that his dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession would not be forgotten by the law enforcement community.
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