EAU CLAIRE, Dunn County, Wis., Sept. 23, 2026 — A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper is hospitalized after falling from a bridge deck early on Monday morning, September 21, near the Dunn County and Eau Claire County line. The trooper was hurt while helping stop a fleeing vehicle, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The agency said that Trooper Brad Ritger was working to end a pursuit when he moved to place a tire deflation device on a bridge deck just before 5 a.m. Ritger fell from the bridge deck and landed on 490th Avenue, several feet below, the State Patrol reported.
He sustained serious injuries in the fall and was taken to a hospital, authorities said. His current condition has not been released.
Ritger has served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for five years, according to the agency. The circumstances of the pursuit, including what led to the fleeing vehicle and whether it was stopped, remain under review.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
How Investigators Piece Together a Roadside Fall Like This
When a law enforcement officer is hurt during an active pursuit or traffic stop, the incident typically draws more than one layer of review. Investigators document the scene, measure distances and drop heights, and collect statements from anyone involved before drawing conclusions about what happened.
Because these reviews often involve an officer's own agency, many departments bring in an outside agency to handle part of the investigation, to keep the process independent. That can add time before a full account is released, even when the basic facts, like where and when something happened, are already known.
Toxicology results, equipment checks, and formal incident reports can take weeks to finalize. Agencies generally withhold the names of anyone not yet confirmed and withhold full narrative details until the investigative record is complete. That delay is standard practice, not a sign that something is being hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if they witness a roadside law enforcement incident?
Stay a safe distance away, avoid stopping in a travel lane, and follow any instructions from officers on scene. If asked, provide contact information so investigators can follow up.
What are common injuries in falls from roadway structures like bridges?
Falls from height often cause fractures, head injuries, and internal injuries. Severity generally depends on the height of the fall and the surface below.
How does speed affect crash and pursuit-related injuries?
Higher speeds increase the force involved in any resulting collision or fall, which raises the likelihood of serious injury. Even a fall from a modest height can cause lasting harm depending on how a person lands.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Eau Claire, WI
If you're involved in or witness a car accident in the Eau Claire area, move to a safe location if possible and call 911. Seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, like those from a head injury, can take hours to appear.
Cooperate with responding officers and provide an honest account of what you saw. If you're able, note the time, location, and any visible details around the scene. Keep any paperwork or instructions from law enforcement, and follow up with your own doctor in the days that follow, even if you were initially cleared at the scene.
