Missing Taxi Driver Found Dead In Trunk

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- La Crosse police say a taxi driver was found dead in the trunk of his vehicle after an officer tried pulling over the man behind the wheel.

Authorities say the officer thought the vehicle was suspicious and when he ran the license plate about 1 a.m. Friday he learned it belonged to a 79-year-old taxi driver reported missing in Platteville.

The man behind the wheel took off and sped through La Crosse and Onalaska before crashing into another vehicle and rolling over. Police say the fleeing driver was arrested.

Police say the victim in the trunk had injuries consistent with an assault. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The La Crosse County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy.

Police Sgt. Randy Rank says the vehicle did not appear to be marked as a taxi.

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