Three Arrested After Police Chase Ends in Crash on Rimrock Road in Madison, Wisconsin

On Thursday evening, a police chase on Madison's south side ended in a collision that sent a child to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At approximately 8:13 p.m., Monona Police Department officers identified a stolen Nissan Altima traveling on East Broadway in the City of Monona. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop near the Monona Kwik Trip, the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Johnathon J. Brazil, refused to comply and fled westbound on Broadway before merging onto westbound US Highway 12. The pursuit took a dangerous turn when Brazil exited onto Rimrock Road, crossed the center median, and collided with a minivan traveling in the opposite direction. Brazil and one passenger, 54-year-old Kenneth M. Maclin, immediately fled on foot, while a third passenger, 38-year-old Leon S. Willis, remained at the scene. Officers quickly located Maclin nearby and found Brazil hiding in a dumpster. Emergency medical services transported a young passenger from the struck minivan to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers determined Brazil was impaired and processed him for operating while intoxicated at a local emergency room.

The Dangers of High-Speed Police Pursuits

High-speed police chases represent one of the most hazardous situations on public roadways, creating extreme danger for suspects, officers, and innocent bystanders alike. When vehicles travel at excessive speeds—often exceeding 100 mph—the physics of momentum dramatically reduces driver reaction time while simultaneously increasing stopping distance exponentially. The unpredictable nature of fleeing suspects, who frequently run red lights, drive against traffic, or attempt dangerous maneuvers like the median crossing seen in this case, compounds these risks substantially. According to law enforcement experts, the adrenaline and tunnel vision experienced by both pursuer and pursued can lead to catastrophic misjudgments in split-second situations. Additionally, these pursuits often occur on roads shared with civilian motorists who have no warning or preparation for encountering vehicles moving at reckless speeds, as evidenced by the family in the minivan who became unwitting victims. Many police departments have consequently implemented strict pursuit policies that balance the need to apprehend suspects against the substantial public safety risks these dangerous situations create.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred on Rimrock Road near its intersection with US Highway 12 on Madison's south side. This area represents a critical traffic junction where vehicles exit the major highway onto local arterial roads. Rimrock Road serves as an important connector between US Highway 12/18 (the Beltline) and neighborhoods to the south, including those near the Alliant Energy Center and John Nolen Drive. The presence of a center median on Rimrock Road—which the suspect crossed before the collision—indicates a divided roadway designed to separate opposing traffic flows for safety purposes. This location experiences significant traffic volume as it connects residential areas to commercial zones and provides access to the highway system. The nearby Monona Kwik Trip where officers first spotted the vehicle is a well-known landmark and high-traffic convenience store serving both Monona and Madison's south side communities.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, victims of vehicle collisions caused by impaired and fleeing drivers may pursue various legal remedies. Wisconsin Statute § 346.04 specifically addresses fleeing from officers, while § 346.63 covers operating while intoxicated. Victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims under Wisconsin's statute of limitations (§ 893.54). Those injured may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The presence of multiple criminal charges against the suspect driver—including OWI causing injury, felony eluding, and second-degree reckless endangering safety—may strengthen civil claims. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are found to be less than 51% responsible for the incident. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, as delays could affect coverage eligibility under applicable policies.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Madison Fire Department: (608) 266-4420
• Monona Police Department: (608) 222-0463
• Dane County Sheriff's Office: (608) 284-6800

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Safety Programs: (608) 266-3425
• Dane County Traffic Safety Commission: (608) 266-9063

Victim Support Services:

• Wisconsin Crime Victims Services: (800) 446-6564
• MADD Wisconsin Chapter: (877) 623-3435
• Dane County Victim/Witness Unit: (608) 266-9003

State Traffic Laws and Regulations:

• Wisconsin State Legislature: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunk-drv/default.aspx