FOND DU LAC, Wis. — A brief but dangerous pursuit on May 31 ended in a downtown crash that injured five people after a suspect fled from a Fond du Lac County deputy at speeds topping 80 mph.

According to the sheriff’s office, the pursuit began after a deputy recorded a vehicle traveling 53 mph in a 30 mph residential zone just south of downtown. When the deputy attempted to stop the driver, the vehicle accelerated rapidly toward the city center.

Faced with a difficult decision, deputies weighed the risk of a pursuit through the downtown area. Although the pursuit was officially terminated, the suspect crashed into eight vehicles moments later, causing multiple injuries.

The driver, identified as 19-year-old Kaitlynn Ray of De Pere, remains in custody on 25 criminal charges. Her bond was set at $500,000.

Source: Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office