Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Fell From I-94 Bridge
A trooper suffered injuries after falling from an I-94 bridge while deploying a tire deflation device.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Accidents
Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Brad Ritger fell from an I-94 bridge in Dunn County while responding to a vehicle pursuit early Saturday morning. Emergency responders provided life-saving aid to the trooper before transporting him to a medical facility for further treatment.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers while executing high-speed traffic stops and deploying tactical equipment on active roadways. Officials are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall and the preceding vehicle pursuit.
Trooper Brad Ritger has five years of service with the Wisconsin State Patrol. An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, and the State Patrol.
The players
Brad Ritger
He is a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper with five years of experience who was injured during a traffic pursuit.
Wisconsin State Patrol
This is the law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling state highways and responding to traffic violations.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
This state department oversees the Division of Criminal Investigation, which is leading the probe into this incident.
The details
Trooper Ritger was attempting to stop a vehicle for speeding and a driving complaint when he deployed a tire deflation device on the bridge deck. After moving to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto 490th Avenue below as the pursued vehicle came to a stop in the median.
Timeline
The pursuit response began at 4:55 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2026.
Trooper Brad Ritger fell from the I-94 bridge on Sept. 21, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern of high-risk roadway encounters that have prompted increased scrutiny of law enforcement tactical procedures. The investigation will evaluate if the event aligns with current safety protocols established in the 2024 Wisconsin State Patrol safety training standards.
Commuters in Dunn County experienced significant delays on Sept. 21 as authorities closed the interstate for several hours to process the scene. The investigation may lead to temporary changes in traffic management procedures near the I-94 and 490th Avenue intersection.
The takeaway
Incidents involving high-speed pursuits serve as a stark reminder of the risks officers take to keep highways safe for the public. Motorists are encouraged to yield promptly to law enforcement vehicles to reduce the duration and complexity of these dangerous stops.
Further reading
For more information on incidents in the region, visit the Wisconsin Accidents section.
