The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of two suspects following a pursuit on New Year’s Eve. Around 10:19 p.m. on December 31, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office received information about a pursuit involving the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Highway 26 near Highway 19. The pursuit was terminated by Jefferson County and the information was passed on to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Dodge County deputies located the vehicle on Highway 26 and attempted a traffic stop. DCSO said the vehicle fled at speeds reaching 110 MPH. Spike strips were used but the vehicle continued to flee and eventually drove on its rims.

The pursuit finally ended in the Village of Lowell after the vehicle traveled north on North River Street which is a dead end. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot while the passenger, 39-year-old Sara Champion, was immediately apprehended. Champion is charged with Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The driver was found and was treated for hypothermia after he fell into the river. The Sheriff’s Office said the driver had bumps, bruises, and scrapes sustained while fleeing. The driver, 35-year-old Johnny Shawver, was arrested on warrants, Operating after Revocation, and Felony Fleeing.

An investigation into possible impairment is ongoing.