Two arrested after separate chases uncover 290 pounds of marijuana and other contraband

OSSEO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Officials from multiple departments in Marathon County found about 290 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, three guns and two stun guns were after two separate chases.

On Thursday, Department of Justice Agents requested the help of Wisconsin State Patrol to stop two cars they suspected of transporting a large amount of contraband. 

A suspect driving a GMC Yukon drove west into Osseo and after a short pursuit got out of his car and tried to run. Troopers caught the man without incident.

In the second chase, a woman in a Subaru Forester was driving east on U.S. 10 and led officers on a 30 mile chase through Trempealeau, Jackson, Eau Claire and Clark Counties. Troopers performed a PIT maneuver to get the car to stop. The driver was taken into custody without incident.

The suspects have been identified as 32-year-old Joel Helding from Tomahawk and 25-year-old Valerie Flores of Wausau. The two are being held under charges of felony eluding, possession with intent to deliver THC, felon in possession of a firearm, and other misdemeanor and traffic charges.

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