DeForest man makes initial appearance on fleeing, THC charges

JUNEAU — A DeForest man made his initial court appearance Monday on charges relating to a 10-mile-long pursuit by Dodge County authorities where his vehicle accelerated to speeds in excess of 130 mph in a 55 mph zone Sunday morning.

Payton Lopez, 21, was charged with fleeing and eluding an officer, a felony, and possession of THC, a misdemeanor. If he’s found guilty on the fleeing and eluding charge, he could see one and a half years of initial confinement followed by two years of extended supervision.

Dodge County Court Commissioner Steven Seim ordered a $2,500 personal appearance bond Monday for Lopez with the conditions he shall not use or possess any drug paraphernalia or controlled substances (without a valid prescription) nor be in the presence of anyone who does. He was also ordered not to speak to the passenger, a 19-year-old woman, who was released from the scene without charges.

Lopez has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 14.

Dodge County Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle speeding through the town of Elba shortly before 2 a.m. and attempted a traffic stop, the criminal complaint states.

Lopez accelerated to speeds in excess of 130 mph continued eastbound on State Highway 16 and County Highway 60. Law enforcement briefly lost sight of the fleeing car, but other deputies responding to assist quickly relocated it and made a traffic stop in the town of Clyman, the complaint states.

Lopez was arrested and taken to the Dodge County Jail.