Body of Missing Woman Recovered by Deputies in Chippewa River

SOUTHERN DUNN COUNTY, WIS. - On April 13, 2024, the Dunn County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible body in the Chippewa River, near Happy Island, in Southern Dunn County. Deputies responded to the scene with patrol boats and rescue/recovery equipment. The Wisconsin DNR also assisted at the scene.

The body was identified as a missing woman from Eau Claire, 56 year-old Margarite Endres, who had been missing since early February.

"The police department extends our condolences to the family and friends of Margarite. We would also like to extend our thanks to the members of the public who provided information, search and rescue teams, and other agencies that assisted in the search."

Chief Kelly Bakken, Altoona Police Department

The Dunn County Sheriff's Office and Eau Claire Police Department are investigating the incident.

Three Rescue Helicopters Respond to Single Vehicle Crash in Rural Dunn County, Wis.

MENOMONIE, WIS. - On April 20, 2024, at approximately 11:54 PM, the Dunn County CommunicationS Center was notified of a single vehicle crash near the intersection of County Road K and 670th Avenue in the Township of Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Menomonie Fire Department responded to the scene. 

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, it was learned there were three patients. The vehicle was located on its passenger’s side and had significant damage. One patient was ejected from the vehicle and two patients needed to be extricated from the vehicle by the Menomonie Fire Department. Due to the number of patients and the amount of extrication needed, assistance was requested from Spring Valley and Elmwood EMS. Three helicopters were also requested for assistance. Two patients were flown from the scene and another patient was transported by EMS and later flown to another hospital. 

Preliminary investigation shows the vehicle was southbound on County Road K when the vehicle crested a hill in the roadway. The vehicle entered the west ditch and began to correct. The vehicle overcorrected and lost control, striking a tree. Alcohol and speed appear to be factors in the crash. This crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kevin Bygd 

Dunn County, Wisconsin 

Vehicle Pursuit with Felony Drug Charges

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at approximately 8:08 AM, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) that was entering Dunn County westbound on US Highway 12 toward Elk Mound.  The suspect vehicle had reportedly fled after a Trooper approached it when making a traffic stop.  The vehicle crashed into the ditch when exiting the freeway and then re-entered the roadway and fled westbound toward Dunn County at speeds in excess of 100 MPH.

The suspect vehicle was approaching the Village of Elk Mound and due to the time of day and amount of traffic, the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns in hopes the suspect would de-escalate his erratic driving behavior.  Numerous Sheriff’s Office personnel responded toward the area.  A Sheriff’s Office Captain clocked the suspect at 107 MPH on Highway 12 westbound as it was nearing the Village of Elk Mound, even after the pursuit had been stopped.

A Dunn County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to deploy a tire-deflation device (TDD) on the suspect vehicle after it had traveled through the Village of Elk Mound near Highway 40.  The suspect evaded the TDD driving onto the gravel and grass shoulder; it continued northbound at speeds in excess of 100 MPH.  A short time later, Dunn County Highway Department crews working on Highway 40 reported the vehicle was still driving erratic, speeding and traveling in the wrong lane.

A Sheriff’s Deputy then attempted to stop the vehicle on CTY TK B north of Menomonie due to the ongoing reckless driving behaviors, but it continued to flee.  The Menomonie Police Department (MPD) attempted to deploy a TDD on CTY TK B near 650th Avenue but were unsuccessful when the suspect vehicle left the roadway and drove through the ditch to avoid the intervention.  The suspect vehicle continued to drive recklessly through a marked work zone and then entered Interstate 94 traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. 

The suspect vehicle eventually turned around and exited the freeway into North Menomonie, where it traveled south at a high rate of speed.  It turned onto Elm Avenue West where it stopped and Sheriff’s Deputies pinned the vehicle in to prevent further escape and reckless behavior.

The driver was apprehended.  He was identified as 47 year-old Roosevelt D. Gills of Chicago, IL.  Gills was transported to the Dunn County Jail and held for charges of Felony Flee/Elude Officers, Felony Recklessly Endangering Safety, Possession of THC, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Fentanyl, and numerous traffic charges.

There was no property damage and no injuries reported as a result of the incident.  If you were a witness or victim to the reckless or dangerous driving behaviors of this suspect, you are encouraged to fill out an online witness statement form available on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.DunnCountySheriff.com. Click on Resources and reference traffic case D24-00580.

Sheriff Kevin BygdDunn County, WI