Man jumps into lake after high speed chase

Christopher Stensgard

Burnett Co. (WQOW) - Authorities say a driver in a stolen car led them on a high speed chase before jumping into a lake to try to get away.

The chase began when a state trooper tried to stop Christopher Stensgard for a traffic violation Monday night. The state patrol says Stensgard then abandoned his four passengers and jumped into Burnett County's Clam Lake. He apparently tried to swim across the lake, but was caught.

He was arrested for driving a stolen car, fleeing officers and possessing methamphetamine.

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Burnett Co. (Press Release) - On July 23, 2012 at approximately 5:50 p.m., a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Christopher Lee Stensgard from Cottage Grove, MN for a traffic violation. It happened on County Highway 35. Mr. Stensgard attempted to flee at a high rate of speed and then left his vehicle and four passengers and jumped into Clam Lake in an apparent attempt to swim across the lake.

The Burnett County Sheriff's Department and North Ambulance were called to assist at the scene. Mr. Stensgard was ultimately apprehended, taken into custody and transported to the Burnett Sheriff's Department.

Mr. Stensgard was charged with fleeing, possession of methamphetamines and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Man jumps into lake after high speed chase - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Man jumps into lake after high speed chase