Motorcyclist charged after driving over 100 mph just south of Antigo

ANTIGO — A man charged with several felonies related to a sunset joyride during which he flew past several vehicles in no passing zones and eluded a law enforcement officer while driving over 100 miles per hour appeared in the Langlade County Courthouse Monday afternoon.

Russell Morter, a 40-year-old from Phillips, Wis., stands accused of fleeing an officer and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety for the incident, which occurred on the night of July 18.

According to the criminal complaint, around 8:43 p.m. that night, a Langlade County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the intersection of Old 26 Rd. and Highway 45 when he observed a motorcycle fly north toward Antigo at a speed he estimated to be in excess of 100 miles per hour.

The deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens, but the motorcycle sped up. Even when the deputy increased his speed to approximately 100 miles per hour, the motorcycle was gaining separation from him and recklessly passing vehicles on double lined sections of the highway as he did.

The deputy ceased his pursuit due to the motorcycle approaching the city, but an Antigo police officer stopped the motorcycle’s driver once he arrived in the city and identified him as Russell Morter.

When the Sheriff’s officer arrived on the scene, Morter admitted he had been traveling over 100 miles per hour.

On July 19, Morter was charged with passing in a no passing zone, traveling at an unreasonable and imprudent speed, and operating a motorcycle without a valid license, all county offenses involving financial rather than criminal penalties.

Morter, who has several open cases in other counties, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.