Executive Summary
- Clinton H. Mayotte was sentenced to 20 years for firing at Deputy Elliot Schmoll during a 2024 pursuit.
- The sentence includes 15 years of confinement and will run consecutively to a prior Wood County sentence.
- Deputy Schmoll testified that the shooting occurred during his first shift after his probationary period.
- The high-speed chase exceeded 100 mph and spanned over 20 miles across county lines.
A Portage County judge sentenced a Wisconsin Rapids man to 20 years in prison on Friday for firing upon a deputy during a high-speed pursuit in August 2024. Portage County Circuit Court Judge Louis Molepske Jr. handed down the sentence to Clinton H. Mayotte, ordering that the term run consecutively to a separate prison sentence the defendant is already serving for related crimes in Wood County.
According to court records, the sentencing hearing centered on the events of August 20, 2024, when Deputy Elliot Schmoll attempted a traffic stop that escalated into a chase reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph. Prosecutors stated that during the pursuit, which spanned over 20 miles and crossed into Wood County, Mayotte brandished a firearm and discharged multiple rounds at Deputy Schmoll’s patrol vehicle.
Deputy Schmoll, who provided a victim impact statement during the hearing, testified that the incident occurred during his first shift following the completion of his probationary period. Schmoll detailed the psychological toll of the encounter, describing how a routine enforcement action for a traffic violation turned into a life-threatening situation. “The defendant cowardly brandished a firearm and opened fire on my patrol car multiple times, attempting to kill me,” Schmoll told the court.
The pursuit concluded when Mayotte fled his vehicle on foot. Schmoll testified that he discharged his duty weapon to neutralize the threat, citing the immediate danger posed to himself and other officers arriving on the scene. “The feeling of firing at another human being is something I never want to experience again,” Schmoll stated, adding that the defendant left him no choice.
Judge Molepske ordered Mayotte to serve 15 years of initial confinement followed by five years of extended supervision for the Portage County conviction. This sentence is legally mandated to follow the 25 years of confinement and 10 years of extended supervision Mayotte is currently serving for attempted homicide convictions in Wood County stemming from the same multi-jurisdictional incident.
Judicial Severity and Law Enforcement Safety
The imposition of a consecutive sentence in this case underscores the judicial system’s intent to maximize penalties for violent acts committed against law enforcement officers. By stacking the Portage County sentence atop the existing Wood County term, the court has effectively ensured a prolonged period of incarceration, reflecting the gravity of endangering public safety across multiple jurisdictions. This ruling also highlights the persistent volatility of traffic stops, reinforcing the significant risks officers face even during routine patrol operations.
