A US policeman has died after suffering critical injuries when he fell from a bridge onto Interstate 94 during a car chase.
Bradley Ritger, 29, who served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for nearly five years, died on Friday, October 2, more than a week after the September 21 incident.
Ritger had deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge west of the Dunn County and Eau Claire County line when he fell while moving to a position of cover, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
He was given lifesaving treatment and remained under critical medical care before eventually dying from his injuries.
The Wisconsin State Patrol described Ritger as a dedicated officer who served primarily in the Dunn County area after joining the agency as part of its 67th Recruit Class.
Before becoming a state trooper, he spent three years working with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
WisDOT and the State Patrol said Ritger’s professionalism, work ethic and commitment to helping others had left a lasting impression on his colleagues and members of the public.
A law enforcement memorial vehicle has been placed at the State Patrol’s Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire, where members of the public can leave cards, flowers and other condolences.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also announced plans to issue an executive order lowering US and Wisconsin flags across the state after funeral arrangements are made.
“Our hearts break for Trooper Ritger and his family,” Evers said, describing his death as “a young life lost far too soon.”
