A small van went through the ice on the north shore of Shawano Lake in the town of Wescott, January 7, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shawano County Sheriff's Office)
TOWN OF WESCOTT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A van went through the ice on Shawano Lake and after receiving medical attention, the driver was taken into custody.
Just after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, dispatch received a call about a small van with its headlights on that had gone through the ice on the north shore of Shawano Lake, directly south of the channel to Washington Lake in the town of Wescott.
The driver and sole occupant was able to get out of the vehicle and ran away from the area before first responders arrived.
Deputies located the driver sometime later. They learned the driver drove out on Shawano Lake to deliver food to someone who was already on the lake ice fishing. The vehicle went through the ice just prior to a witness calling it in.
EMS was dispatched to check out the driver and then transported to a local hospital to be evaluated.
Once released from the hospital, the driver was arrested on an unrelated matter and taken to the Shawano County Jail.
At this time, the vehicle has not been removed from Shawano Lake. A local towing company, as well as the Shawano Fire Department are working on the matter.
Officials say it’s important to exercise caution and safety when going out on the ice. Ice conditions can be unpredictable, and even a small crack or thin spot can lead to dangerous situations. It’s important to check the ice thickness, ideally ensuring it is at least four inches for safe walking, and to be aware of weather changes that can weaken the ice.
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