A Dane County circuit judge on Thursday imposed an 18-year prison term on a man convicted in the fall 2025 crash that struck a Madison Police Department squad car and left an officer with life-altering injuries.
Judge delivers lengthy prison term, extended supervision
Christopher Brugger Jr. was found guilty in April on 13 of 16 counts arising from the Sept. 27, 2025 incident, including hit-and-run and reckless driving. Judge Diane Schlipper sentenced Brugger to 18 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of extended supervision.
Authorities say the episode began when Monona officers reported a tow truck being driven recklessly on Highway 51, nearly striking multiple vehicles. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle; Brugger allegedly led them on a pursuit and drove in a reckless manner before colliding with the Madison squad car and fleeing the scene. He was taken into custody shortly after the crash.
Officer hurt, family describes long road ahead
The officer struck in the crash, Officer Ryan Kimberley, addressed the court, describing how the collision has affected both his professional life and his family. Kimberley told the court he had led an active life before the crash—serving 14 years in the National Guard and working as a K‑9 officer—and that the injuries sustained will likely force him to medically retire from both roles.
Kimberley’s wife also spoke during the hearing, detailing the day-to-day adjustments the family has had to make following the crash. She described balancing his rehabilitation needs with care for their 1-year-old daughter and said the family continues to cope with the consequences of the collision.
“The highlight of today’s hearing was PO Kimberley and his family,” Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney said after the sentencing. “Like many survivors of violence, they have demonstrated incredible bravery...”
Chief Chaney emphasized the risks officers face in routine duties and noted the crash’s lasting impact on the Kimberley family extended beyond the courtroom.
Defendant’s statement and background cited in court
Brugger read a prepared apology in court and acknowledged the harm caused. In his statement he described a childhood that contributed to struggles with drugs and alcohol, saying he had been in and out of the system and had not received treatment.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to Officer Kimberley, to the Court, and all parties affected,” Brugger said. “I am truly sorry for everything and I never meant Officer Kimberly no harm in no way. I meant nobody no harm.”
Prosecutors pursued multiple charges related to the high‑speed incident, including counts tied to the hit-and-run and reckless operation that culminated in the collision with the police vehicle. Brugger was convicted on the majority of those counts earlier this year.
Case details and penalties at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident date | Sept. 27, 2025 |
| Convictions | 13 of 16 counts |
| Prison sentence | 18 years |
| Extended supervision | 15 years |
| Officer injured | Officer Ryan Kimberley (also likely to medically retire; K-9 Freddie injured) |
- Brugger led officers on a pursuit after reports of reckless driving involving a tow truck on Highway 51.
- The collision injured Officer Kimberley and his K‑9 partner, Freddie.
- Family testimony and the officer’s service record were cited during sentencing.
The case spotlights the dangers faced by law-enforcement officers during vehicle pursuits and the long-term consequences for victims and families. Prosecutors framed the conduct as dangerously reckless, while defense remarks stressed Brugger’s troubled history and substance problems.
Following the sentencing, Monona and Madison police officials reiterated support for the Kimberley family and underscored the importance of officer safety in traffic encounters and pursuits. The extended supervision period means Brugger will remain under state oversight for a significant time after release, part of the sentence designed to monitor behavior and reduce the risk of repeat offenses.
As the Kimberley family adjusts to new realities, the case will continue to be cited locally in discussions about pursuit policies, officer safety protocols and community impacts of violent traffic incidents.
