La Crosse man arrested, after trying to flee police by driving through Poage Park

The chase happened Monday in the Poage-Powell neighborhood. 

Police tried to stop Chad Downs for a vehicle violation, but he drove off, turning onto several south side streets, before heading into Poage Park, potentially endangering visitors there.

The 27-year-old La Crosse man then abandoned the car and ran into a stranger’s house on 6th Street. 

The District Attorney’s office said the woman inside the house was scared by officers coming in with guns to look for Downs. 

Police dogs helped find him hiding in a crawl space. They also discovered meth in his car.  

Bond is set at $2,500 cash for Downs, who was charged with reckless endangerment, meth possession and burglary for breaking into a home to get away from officers.