Local
Four escape Lake Como after police pursuit ends in water near Geneva
A late-night pursuit began over an unbelted passenger and ended when the vehicle plunged about 100 feet into Lake Como. Four people swam to a nearby pier; the driver faces multiple charges, including fleeing police and reckless endangerment.
GENEVA, Wis. — Four people escaped into Lake Como after a police pursuit that began with a traffic stop and ended when their vehicle drove roughly 100 feet into the lake, authorities said.
Lake Geneva police attempted to stop the vehicle on Broad Street at about 11:07 p.m. Aug. 7 after an officer saw a passenger hanging out of the vehicle without a seat belt.
Police said the driver continued accelerating, ran stop signs and traveled the wrong way on a one-way street. Video released by the department shows the vehicle striking bumps and throwing sparks as it sped along the road. When the driver turned, the vehicle went straight into Lake Como, according to police.
All four occupants got out of the vehicle and swam to a nearby pier. Officers helped them out of the water. Two people were taken to a hospital, while two others declined medical treatment, police said.
The driver, identified as Cash Rauscher, was charged with operating without a license, operating without insurance, failing to obey a traffic officer, fleeing or eluding an officer, failing to stop at a stop sign, unreasonable and imprudent speed, reckless driving that endangered safety, violating absolute sobriety and recklessly endangering safety.
The released footage includes police body-camera and dash-camera video of the pursuit and the rescue near the lake.