(FOND DU LAC) A driver who tore down Main Street at high speed during a police chase will spend years behind bars.
A Brown County woman, Kaitlynn Gabrielle Ray, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after a dangerous attempt to flee deputies through downtown Fond du Lac, according to the district attorney’s office.
A judge ordered seven years of initial confinement followed by seven years of extended supervision. Ray will also serve four years of probation after her release.
The case stems from a Friday evening in late May 2025, when deputies say Ray sped down Main Street, reaching speeds of more than 80 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. Investigators say the street was busy with traffic and pedestrians at the time.
According to the criminal complaint, a deputy first spotted Ray driving at a high rate of speed and tried to stop her. Instead, she accelerated, crossed into oncoming traffic to pass cars, and ignored emergency lights and sirens.
The pursuit quickly turned into a chain of crashes.
Investigators say Ray struck an oncoming SUV, which caught fire, then hit another vehicle carrying four juvenile girls, all of whom were hurt. She continued down Main Street, hitting several parked cars before her own SUV came to a stop and caught fire.
At least five people needed medical attention, and multiple vehicles were damaged, according to the complaint.
Deputies also reported seeing signs that Ray was impaired. A search of her vehicle turned up marijuana, and authorities say she later showed signs consistent with drug use.
Prosecutors say Ray was convicted of multiple counts, including first-degree recklessly endangering safety and operating while intoxicated causing injury.
