LH man sentenced to six months jail for high-speed chase

CHIPPEWA FALLS — A Lake Hallie man who led police on a high-speed chase in January will serve a six-month jail sentence.

Dennis K. Decker, 42, 13289 44th Ave., pleaded no contest last week in Chippewa County Court to one count of fleeing or eluding an officer.

Judge Benjamin Lane ordered the jail sentence, along with two years of probation. Decker also must pay a $538 fine and he must submit a DNA sample. Other charges were read-in and dismissed.

Decker has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 21 on a $2,000 cash bond.

Decker was previously convicted of manufacturing and delivery of meth in Eau Claire County Court in 2021.

According to the criminal complaint, A Wisconsin State Trooper attempted to stop Decker’s vehicle on U.S. 53 because it was traveling 77 mph in a 65 mph zone. Decker’s vehicle took the Melby Street exit in Lake Hallie. However, when the trooper got out of his squad car, Decker accelerated and fled the area

“The vehicle continued northbound and increased speed between 80 mph and 100 mph in a 35 mph zone,” the complaint reads. “The vehicle passed a car on 122nd Street.”

The vehicle finally came to a stop after traveling for several blocks. Decker exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The troopers followed tracks in the snow and it came out to Decker’s Lake Hallie home.

“They made contact at the residence with the female owner who allowed the troopers inside to search for Decker,” the complaint reads. “Troopers located Decker in a closet at the bottom of the stairs that had a chair in front of the door.” Decker was then arrested.

Decker’s license was revoked after being convicted of fleeing from officers in Jackson County Court in 20202, court records show.