SHAWANO, WI- A vehicle broke through the ice on Shawano Lake early Tuesday morning, prompting a multi-agency response.

At approximately 6:32 a.m. on January 7, 2025, the Shawano County dispatch center received a report of a small van that had gone through the ice near the lake’s north shore, south of the channel to Washington Lake. The vehicle’s headlights were still visible, and the caller believed all occupants had safely exited.

Deputies, along with first responders, arrived on the scene and confirmed that the driver had left the area on foot. The driver was later located and verified that no one else was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

According to authorities, the driver had driven onto the ice to deliver food to an ice fisherman when the vehicle broke through. The individual did not make the initial 911 call. EMS evaluated the driver, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further assessment.

After being discharged from the hospital, the driver was arrested on an unrelated matter and taken to the Shawano County Jail.

Efforts to recover the submerged vehicle are ongoing, with assistance from a local towing company and the Shawano Fire Department.

Authorities remind residents and visitors to exercise caution when venturing onto frozen lakes. Ice conditions can be unpredictable, and even minor weaknesses can pose serious risks. Officials recommend ensuring at least four inches of solid ice for safe walking and remaining vigilant about changing weather conditions that could compromise ice stability.

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the assistance of Shawano Ambulance, Wescott EMS, and the Shawano Fire Department in addressing the incident.