FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 18, 2025
UPDATE FROM CHIEF ALO: As of 3:45 p.m., the suspect, Derek G. Braudt, was apprehended in Bellwood, IL. The West Salem Police Department will be working with Illinois Authorities on extradition for charges in La Crosse County.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 18, 2025
Scott K. Alo
Chief of Police
Fleeing Suspect from Traffic Stop
On June 17, 2025 at approximately 7:59 p.m. a West Salem Police Officer observed a black vehicle approaching him from the rear at a high rate of speed on East Tilson Street from Mark Street North. The vehicle abruptly pulled over and activated its hazard lights. The vehicle remained stationary for a short period of time. The Officer turned around and drove toward the vehicle, however; upon approach he was not able to observe anyone inside due to the dark window tint. The license plate was checked and indicated that the registered owner of the vehicle had a revoked driving status. The Officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and as soon as he exited his patrol vehicle, a male slowly exited from the passenger side. The male was contacted by the Officer, observed to be the sole occupant and identified via his Wisconsin driver’s license as 19-year-old male, Derek G. Braudt.
Braudt appeared nervous and he refused to follow the Officer’s verbal directives. He was also displaying behaviors that caused the Officer to believe he may be searching for a weapon and/or preparing to flee. The odor of alcohol was detected coming from the vehicle and the Officer observed what appeared to be a bottle of alcohol partially hidden under the passenger front seat. The male eventually turned over a bottle labeled Svedka. The male was asked to exit the vehicle at which time he climbed from the passenger seat into the driver’s seat actively resisting the Officer’s efforts to stop him from fleeing. The male engaged the vehicle and sped off at a high rate of speed, injuring the Officer’s right hand. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned while still running at the east end of East Tilson Street near the Lake Neshonoc fishing pier. The male fled on foot into the wooded area. The area was searched with a drone, canine, and several Officers, however; attempts to locate him were unsuccessful. Assisting West Salem Officers with the search were Officers from the Onalaska Police Department, Holmen Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Due to the nature of the initial stop and the assessment of the situation, it has been determined that there is no threat to the West Salem community or surrounding areas.
Upon Derek Braudt being located he will be charged with Felony Bail Jumping (2 counts), Misdemeanor Bail Jumping (2 counts), Battery to a Law Enforcement Officer (1 count), Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (1 count), Vehicle Operator Fleeing/Eluding an Officer (1 count), as well as multiple traffic citations. The Department of Corrections has also issued a Probation Hold on Braudt.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the West Salem Police Department (608-786-0407). If you have information about this incident but wish to remain anonymous, please contact La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers (608-784-8477); or through the P3 App.
