Driver of stolen vehicle dies after police chase ends in Wisconsin creek

LaCrosse, WIs. (KMSP) - A police chase in LaCrosse, Wis., ended with one dead after the fleeing driver crashed into a creek and was unable to stay afloat in the water, according to a release.

Police divers had to rescue DeShawn Huff of Winona, Minn., who was allegedly operating a stolen vehicle when authorities attempted to pull him over, officials said. 

The chase reached speeds of more than 60 mph going down 2nd Street in LaCrosse before Huff lost control of the vehicle at the Norplex Drive and Hood Street intersection, plunging his car into the creek. He was able to escape the car before it sunk but was too panicked to grab ropes thrown by officers, according to the release. 

Divers later pulled Huff to safety but he remained unresponsive and was later declared dead at a nearby hospital.

The incident is under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.