Wisconsin man who was tased after a high-speed chase faces numerous charges

POCATELLO — A Wisconsin man police say led them on a high-speed chase in a stolen car is facing multiple felonies.

Paul Russell Henderson, 31, has been charged with felonies for grand theft, eluding an officer and assault upon an officer, court records show. He also faces misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest and two counts of battery.

Bannock County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a fight at a home in Swan Lake on Nov. 23 around 3:30 p.m., according to an affidavit of probable cause.

On the way, deputies were informed the fight had escalated. Henderson allegedly hit a woman and knocked her unconscious. The affidavit says he then used a knife to threaten a man.

Henderson was leaving as the first deputy arrived. Instead of speaking to the deputy, Henderson drove away in a green Ford pickup. The female victim told the deputy the Ford was hers and that Henderson stole it.

A deputy followed Henderson once an ambulance arrived at the house. Though they caught up to him, Henderson didn’t stop. He reportedly pulled to the side of the road several times, but quickly took off before the deputy could come to a complete stop.

According to the affidavit, Henderson was traveling at speeds as high as 90 mph in areas with a posted speed limit of 65 mph.

Deputies were waiting to deploy spike strips near Downata Hot Springs. Henderson swerved toward the deputies, forcing them to jump out of the way. But they were successful in deploying spike strips.

Henderson continued to drive the truck with flat rear tires. He drove through the campground area before eventually pulling off the road on Old Malad Highway.

Henderson continued to ignore commands from deputies, requiring several requests to exit the truck and get down on the ground.

Deputies tased Henderson as he began walking toward them.

Once Henderson was in custody, deputies called the victims, who are family members of Henderson, for a statement.

The woman said she and Henderson were arguing when it got physical. Henderson “cold cocked” her in the back of the head, she says, before he went after the man with a knife and hit him in the face.

Henderson was booked in the Bannock County Jail and is being held on a $75,000 bond.

If he is found guilty of all charges, Henderson would face up to 31 years in prison.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Judge R. Todd Garbett on Dec. 7.

Though Henderson has been charged with these crimes, it does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty.