FOND DU LAC – An investigation that started July 5 into vehicle entries has so far led to multiple arrests and the recovery of four firearms, according to the Fond du Lac Police Department.
Officers first responded to the 600 block of South Marr Street July 5 for a report of juveniles entering a vehicle and damaging a cellphone. One 16-year-old boy was taken into custody and held in secure detention for possession of a stolen firearm, and further investigation indicated he could also be connected to several recent vehicle entries and thefts in the city.
Detectives and officers then identified additional suspects and executed a search warrant at a South Main Street apartment the morning of July 14, recovering stolen property that linked the suspects to the investigation.
Surrounding agencies assist in further arrests
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 19-year-old man, and Beaver Dam Police Department assisted Fond du Lac detectives in arresting a 17-year-old boy. Both were transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail on referred charges of possession of a stolen firearm related to the July 5 investigation.
Beaver Dam officers also executed a search warrant in Beaver Dam and arrested a 19-year-old woman, who was transported to the Dodge County Jail on a probation/parole hold related to the investigation. This same event led to the recovery of two additional firearms that had been stolen in Fond du Lac.
In addition to the recovered firearms across each step of the investigation, officers and detectives recovered more stolen property connected to the vehicle entry and theft investigations.
“These arrests and the recovery of stolen firearms are the direct result of persistent investigative work and strong partnerships with our neighboring law enforcement agencies,” Fond du Lac Police Department Lt. Nick Hahn said in a news release. “By working together and following every lead, we were able to identify those responsible, recover dangerous stolen firearms and make our community safer.”
Here’s how community members can report suspicious activity
Hahn added that the department appreciates the residents who continue to report suspicious activity, as community partnerships are one of their most effective tools in preventing crime and protecting the local neighborhoods.
In addition to timely reporting of suspicious activity, residents can help prevent vehicle entries and thefts by locking their vehicles and removing valuables.
Anyone with information regarding recent vehicle entries or thefts can contact Detective Chris Deering at 920-322-3723.
The Waupun Police Department also assisted in the investigation. Because the investigation remains active and the arrested individuals have not yet appeared in court, no additional information was released.
Contact Daphne Lemke at dlemke@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Four arrested, firearms recovered in Fond du Lac theft investigation
Reporting by Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter | USA TODAY Network
