RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A 22-year-old Illinois man has been formally charged after allegedly stabbing an Uber driver in Wisconsin and stealing their vehicle.
According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report of a stolen vehicle driving on Interstate 94 shortly before 10:15 p.m. on Monday, May 6. The stolen vehicle was believed to be related to a carjacking in Madison.
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More information was relayed to authorities stating the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Antonio Rodgers of Chicago, Illinois, allegedly stabbed an Uber driver multiple times, causing life-threatening injuries. The carjacking and attempted homicide occurred at around 8:45 p.m.
Shortly after 10:15 p.m., deputies from the Racine County Sheriff’s Office stopped the vehicle on Interstate 94 northbound. However, as the deputies began giving verbal commands for a high-risk stop, Rodgers drove off northbound at a high rate of speed, allegedly over 120 miles per hour.
Authorities say a deputy was positioned ahead of the pursuit near Highway K. The deputy successfully deployed spike strips, causing some of Rodgers’ tires to deflate slowly. Despite the damaged tires, Rodgers continued at speeds in the triple digits.
(Racine County Sheriff’s Office)
(Racine County Sheriff’s Office)
(Racine County Sheriff’s Office)
As rubber began to shred off the rims of the tires, Rodgers was forced to reduce his speed to around 50 miles per hour, allowing authorities to perform a precision immobilization technique, better known as a PIT maneuver.
The deputy used the front passenger side of his squad car to impact the rear driver’s side of Rodgers’ vehicle, causing it to spin 180 degrees and stop.
Multiple deputies, including three K9 teams, set up for a high-risk stop.
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“With the three K9s actively barking and eager to apprehend the suspect, Rodgers wisely followed commands, and deputies safely took Rodgers into custody,” stated the Racine County Sheriff’s Office.
Court records show that Rodgers is charged with the following in Racine County:
- Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer
- Felony
- Drive or Operate vehicle w/o Consent
- Felony
- 1st-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony
- 1st-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony
- 1st-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony
- 1st-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony
Additional charges, including attempted homicide, are expected to be filed in Dane County for allegedly stabbing the Uber driver.
“First, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim in this case, who is currently receiving medical care for his serious injuries,” stated Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. “We also send our prayers to his friends and family. Regarding the apprehension of this dangerous menace, I am extremely proud of the performance of my deputies, who acted bravely and truly did a phenomenal job coordinating tactics and communicating. I was also impressed with how multiple law enforcement agencies came together to work on this case. Job well done!”
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Rodgers appeared in the Racine County Courthouse on Tuesday for his initial appearance, where the judge set his cash bond at $10,000. He is expected to return to court on May 16 for a preliminary hearing.
No additional details were provided.
