On October 3, 2020, at approximately 1:32 am, the Mar-Mac Police Department assisted the Prairie du Chien Police Department with a disturbance in the 100 block of South Main Street.
Upon the officer’s arrival, a vehicle was observed fleeing the downtown area while being pursued by the Prairie du Chien Police Department. The arriving Mar-Mac Police Officer engaged in the vehicle pursuit.
The fleeing vehicle continue west on US Highway 18, toward Marquette, at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Upon entering the city of Marquette, the fleeing vehicle lost control and left the roadway at the intersection of US Highway 18 and Marquette Drive. After the vehicle came to a stop in the ditch, the driver and the passenger fled on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, the passenger, identified as Donna A. Hrycenko, from Wauconda, Illinois, was arrested. The driver, later identified as Mathew A. Bernat, from Wauconda, Illinois, was not located.
Hrycenko was found to have an active Illinois arrest warrant and was transported to the Clayton County Jail and charged with Interference with Official Acts (simple misdemeanor). A complaint and affidavit were filed accusing Bernat of Eluding (serious misdemeanor) and cited for Fail to Maintain Control, Reckless Driving, and No Valid Driver License. A warrant for Bernat’s arrest was requested.
Assisting the Mar-Mac and Prairie du Chien Police Departments included the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, the Postville Police Department’s K-9 Unit, Mar-Mac EMS, and Bud’s Repair.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Robert Millin, Chief of Police
Mar-Mac Police Department
