Man fleeing police, caught with 20,000 in Venezuelan cash, other drugs in La Crosse

Also caught with 10 credit cards, drugs

He’s in jail for a slew of charges but what La Crosse police found in Chad Kowalke’s bag were the most interesting. 

It wasn’t the 10 credit cards with other people’s names. Or the prescription drugs that weren’t his. Or the other drugs.

No, it was the four bills of Venezuelan money police found – a 10,000 bolívar, a 5,000 bolívar and two 5 bolívar. The 10,000 works out to about $1,000 in U.S. currency.

Police recognized the 41-year-old biking on Hood Street around 7 p.m. Friday night and began pursuit.

With lights and sirens on, Kowalke took off on his bike but then ditched it and began running down Hood Street on foot. It didn’t take long, however, before Kowalke collapsed, complaining about chest pain – probably just a side ache, though he was taken to the hospital.

Kowalke was arrested for five La Crosse warrants totaling $10,000 bond … in U.S. currency. Another warrant for $11,747.99. 

He was also charged with bail jumping, resisting, possession of illegally obtained prescription drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.