Press Releases

2013 Releases

JANUARY


Date: January 30, 2013
Case: UPDATED Car Accident 13-3050
Authority: Sgt. Tim Kemps

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the name of the deceased driver from yesterday’s fatal car accident on Lake Bernice Drive south of STH 28 in the Town of Wayne.

The deceased operator is a 37 year old Town of Wayne resident Diane J Polsin.


Date: January 30, 2013
Case: Calls for Service 1/30/13
Authority: Lt. Martin Schulteis

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has responded to numerous vehicles in the ditch and minor accidents since the inclement weather started on Wednesday January 30, 2013. Since approximately 6 a.m. Deputies have responded to 7 vehicles in the ditch, 3 property damage accidents and two minor injury accidents.

At 6:57 a.m. Sheriff Deputies responded to the area of STH 33 and STH 144 South (Glacier Dr) for a two car head on accident. The driver of a westbound vehicle was in the process of passing a Washington County snowplow when he lost control and crossed the centerline. His vehicle then struck an east bound vehicle. The driver of the eastbound vehicle suffered facial lacerations from broken glass. That accident remains under investigation.

At 10:40 a.m. Sheriff Deputies responded to the 300 block of Main Street in Allenton for a report of a vehicle striking a light pole. The driver of the vehicle was the lone occupant and will be cited for driving too fast for conditions on the snow covered roadway. He sustained minor injuries and declined medical attention.


 

Date: January 29, 2013
Case: 2013-3150 Lake Bernice Drive Accident
Authority: Lt. Robert Stuesser

On Tuesday January 29, 2013 Washington County suffered its third fatality of 2013. At approximately 4:29 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a single vehicle accident on Lake Bernice Drive approximately .2 miles north of Western Lane in the Town of Wayne. Deputies and personnel from the Kewaskum and Kohlsville Fire Departments were subsequently dispatched to the scene.

The first arriving Deputy located the vehicle overturned in the east shoulder. The vehicle had struck a nearby electrical pole and was severely damaged. There was no verbal or physical response from within the vehicle. Several downed power lines were observed lying on the vehicle, and We Energies was immediately summoned to the scene to ensure the wires were de-energized. After contact could be safely made by rescue personnel, the sole occupant and operator of the vehicle, a 37 year old Town of Wayne Woman, was found to be deceased.

preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident suggests that the vehicle had been northbound on Lake Bernice Drive, when for an unknown reason it left the road (right), collided with an electric pole, and subsequently overturned. 

Lake Bernice Drive between Western Lane and STH 28 was closed for approximately 5.75 hours to facilitate rescue and clean-up efforts. An officer from the Kewaskum Police Department also assisted at the scene with traffic control. 

At this time the accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit, and the victim’s name is being temporarily withheld pending notification of family.


 

Date: January 19, 2013 
Case: 2013-2058
Authority: Sgt. Chad Beres

On the above date at 1:13pm the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a loose buffalo running south onto USH 41 from STH 28 in the town of Wayne. 
When the first Sheriff’s Deputy arrived in the area he located the buffalo running south in the west road right-of-way along a fence line near Mohawk Rd. The buffalo changed directions and began running north along the fence line. It changed directions a couple more times and ultimately continued running south along the fence line.

Another Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene and working with the first Sheriff’s Deputy they were able to keep the buffalo along the west road right-of-way by driving along the shoulder so the animal didn’t run into traffic. The buffalo continued south to CTH D where it ran up the west right-of-way alongside the exit ramp. It ran across both lanes of CTH D onto the west road right-of-way alongside the entrance ramp for USH 41 southbound. The animal’s owner authorized the Sheriff’s Office to shoot the animal to stop it from running into traffic. 

The first Sheriff’s Deputy was able to drive past the running buffalo and position his squad alongside a guardrail approximately one-half mile south of CTH D. He exited his squad with the squad’s shotgun and shot the running buffalo 3 times, putting it down.

The buffalo had escaped from a farm on CTH W in Fond du Lac County at approximately 11:00am. It ran west into a wooded area near St. Kilian and couldn’t be located until the Sheriff’s Office received the initial report of the animal running loose. In total the buffalo ran approximately 7.5 miles before it was put down. There were no injuries or property damage associated with this incident. 


 

Date: January 11, 2013 
Case: 13-1144 Garage Explosion 
Authority: Sgt. Randy Boudry

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 9:05 AM on 01-11-2013 reporting an explosion at a Town of Hartford residence. The homeowner called stating her 79 year old husband was possibly inside the detached 30 X 40 foot workshop at the time.

Hartford fire and rescue units were dispatched to 5860 Eagle Point Rd and were later assisted by Slinger, St. Lawrence, Allenton, Richfield, Neosho and Woodland fire departments as well as Lifestar ambulance.
Upon deputies’ arrival, they found the man had been evacuated from the destroyed structure by his wife and removed to their home. He sustained burns to his face, arms and hands and was transported to Aurora Medical Center in Hartford with non-life threatening injuries.

Sheriff’s investigators and fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and fire. The structure was heated by a natural gas heater and did have electrical service to the building.

A residence across the street was also reported to have sustained interior damage from the blast resulting in cracked drywall to several walls and ceiling areas.

Homeowners:
Gerald and Jacquelyn Weimer


 

Date: January 2, 2013 
Case: 11-28428 
Authority: Lt Robert Konstanz

Anthony J Langlois age 45 of Hartford was charged In Washington County Circuit Court today with 2 Felony Counts of Identity Theft and 4 misdemeanor counts of theft. This was based an investigation conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

It is believed that Langlois had obtained $12,949 worth of donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (ALZ) and Briggs & AL’s Run & Walk for Children’s Hospital (AL’s Run). Anthony Langlois collected a total of 476 ALZ and 161 AL's Run donations by intentionally deceiving individual and business donors purporting himself to be representing and acting with the authorization of the those organizations.

Additionally, it is alledged that Langlois altered donation forms used by these organizations without their consent. Neither of these organizations have a record of Langlois turning in donated funds.

Anthony Langlois has pending Felony drug charges from July 2012.


 

Date: January 2, 2013 
Case: 2013-74 & 2013-75 Update – Release of Names
Authority: Sgt. Chad Beres 

The names from yesterday’s fatal accidents are as follows:
2013-74 – STH 164 south of Pioneer Rd
Southbound operator – Tyler J. Hust (21) – Sussex
Northbound operator – Jeffery J. Hasby (28 – deceased) – Richfield
Northbound passenger – Katey K. Hasby (29) – Richfield
2013-75 – CTH C at Hillside Rd
Operator – Billy R. Cleveland (60 – deceased) – Town of Farmington

Both accidents remain under investigation and there is no further information being released at this time.


 

Date: January 1, 2013
Case: 2013-74 & 2013-75 Vehicle Accidents
Authority: Sgt. Chad Beres

On Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 7:45pm the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a two-vehicle accident with injuries on STH 164 south of Pioneer Road in the village of Richfield (2013-74). Slinger Fire Department, Lifestar Rescue, and Richfield Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the scene along with deputies from the Sheriff’s Office.

When the first Sheriff’s Deputy arrived he quickly learned there were 3 injured subjects involved in the accident; one of them possibly fatally. When rescue units arrived they began treating the injured and they requested Flight For Life for a passenger in one of the vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team was summoned to the scene along with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Preliminary information received indicates a vehicle operated by a 21-year old Sussex man was southbound on STH 164. This vehicle passed another southbound vehicle and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle operated by a 28-year old village of Richfield man with his 29-year old wife as a passenger.

The operator of the southbound vehicle indicated he was wearing a seatbelt and he was transported via ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls. It appears neither of the subjects in the northbound vehicle was wearing a seatbelt. The female passenger was transported via Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. The male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Medical Examiner’s Office and had to be extricated from the vehicle by Richfield Fire Department personnel.

The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and their Accident Reconstruction Team. It is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor.

At 8:09pm the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a one-vehicle roll-over accident on CTH C at Hillside Road in the Town of Polk (2013-75). The car accident was called in by two individuals who came upon the scene. They checked on the lone occupant and found him to be unresponsive in the vehicle. The Slinger Police and Fire Departments were dispatched as well as Lifestar and Jackson Rescue. Upon arrival it was learned that the accident occurred in the Town of Polk and the Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the scene.

The 60 year old Town of Farmington man was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and their Accident Reconstruction Team. The preliminary investigation shows that the SUV was traveling northbound on CTH C at a speed that did not allow him to safely negotiate a curve at the intersection. The vehicle rolled on its roof partially ejecting the driver who was not wearing his seatbelt. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.
The names of the subjects involved are being withheld at this time pending notification of the families. We expect to release the names by the afternoon on Wednesday, January 02, 2013. These are Washington County’s 1st and 2nd traffic fatalities of 2013.

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FEBRUARY

Date:                   February 25, 2013               
Case:                  Pharmacy Robbery 2013-6323
Authority:           Lt. Bruce Theusch

On 02-25-13 at approximately 11:15 am the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a Robbery at Aurora Pharmacy located at 1303 STH 175, in the Village of Richfield. 

A single male subject came into the Pharmacy and demanded pain/ narcotic medication.  After receiving the medication the suspect fled the Pharmacy on foot.  The suspect was wearing dark clothing and a mask at the time of the Robbery.

The suspect is described as a white male 5'6" - 5'7" thin build.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (262)335-4420 or the Washington County Tip Line
(800)232-0594.

 


Date:                    February 4, 2013               
Case:                   Car-Jacking and Extradition 2013-3282, 3284
Authority:            SHERIFF SCHMIDT

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a pickup truck being stolen during a test drive from a dealership. 

At approximately 5:07 P.M. a male and female entered the Russ Darrow dealership in West Bend and asked to take a truck for a test drive.  A male Sales Associate went along.  During the test drive in the area of STH 144 and CTH A, in Township of Farmington, the male suspect took out a knife and held it to the neck of the victim.  After driving several more miles to Jay Rd, the male who was driving, stopped the truck and told the victim to get out.  The suspects left westbound on Jay Rd.  The victim, who was not injured, flagged down a passing vehicle and contacted the Sheriff’s Office for assistance.  The suspects then stole gas from a station in the area, and fled.

The victim and others at the dealership were able to identify the suspects as Scott K.Kudek, 39, and Kayla R. Goemer, 24 from Kewaskum.  Sheriff’s Deputies then entered an Attempt-to-Locate and temporary felony warrants for the suspects.  On February 1st, official warrants were issued in Washington County Court.

In the early morning hours of February 3rd, the suspects were arrested by Hillborough County, FL Sheriff Deputies at a hotel.  They are being held for extradition to Washington County on felony charges of Armed Car-jacking, Recklessly Endangering Safety, and Bail-jumping.  The truck, a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, was also recovered.

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MARCH

Date:                       March 23, 2013                     
Case:                      13-9264          
Authority:               Sgt. Chad Beres

On the above at 3:52pm the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible structure fire at 7405 Midland Drive (Dave’s Repair Service) in the township of Wayne.  The caller reported a large amount of smoke coming from the building.  Kohlsville Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and they requested assistance from Allenton Fire Department, St. Lawrence Fire Department and Kewaskum Fire Department. 

Upon the arrival of the first responding Deputy, smoke was observed coming from the center of the building along the roofline.  Fire Department units were able to extinguish the fire and vent the building.  In the center of the building (underneath the area where the smoke was first observed) there was an electrical box located mounted to the wall which was sheet metal. The sheet metal had significant heat stains leading away from the electrical box up into the rafters. There were numerous extension cords and partial hard-wired extension leads coming from this electrical box.  The fire department determined the cause was electrical in nature. The only heat source for the building was an external wood burning boiler which was not a contributing factor in this fire.

This area inside the building suffered significant damage.  There were no injuries and the building was not occupied at the time.  A dollar amount for the damage is undetermined at this time.

 


Date:                   March 22, 2013
Case:                  (UPDATE) 2013-8053
Authority:           Lt. Bruce Theusch

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that Dustin Heyn, age 30, died as a result of his injuries that he sustained in a motor vehicle crash which occurred on March 13th, 2013 at the intersection of State Hwy 33 and County Hwy M, in the Town of Trenton.  Heyn passed away at Froedtert Hospital on March 22nd at 8:34am

Heyn is Washington County’s 4th Traffic Fatality of 2013.  The accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

 


Date:               March 18, 2013
Case:              SCHOOL VISITS BY DEPUTIES
Authority:       SHERIFF DALE SCHMIDT


On March 1st, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began a program designed to help make the elementary schools in Washington County a little bit safer.
In conjunction with the school districts, Deputies are making personal visits to most of the public and private elementary schools in the Sheriff’s primary service area.

The two main goals are to provide deterrence to anyone who may want to commit a crime by increasing our presence on school grounds, and to develop a closer relationship between the school staff, students and Patrol Deputies.  
Deputies will make short visits, one or more times per day, at varying times.  The visits include making contact with staff to address any issues, greeting students and checking the facility security.  Deputies may also be seen more often in the school parking lots while doing their administrative work.

We would like to remind parents that Deputies have always responded to calls for service at these schools and will continue to do so.  The school visits program is meant to be an additional layer of safety for the schools.

It should also be noted that no additional Deputies or funding has been required.  The program is accomplished by prioritizing the visits over other normal Patrol Deputy duties.  

Included schools are:  Addison Elem., Allenton Elem., Amy Belle Elem., David’s Star Luth. School, Erin School, Farmington Elem., Friess Lake School, Living Word Luth. HS., Plat Elem., Richfield Elem., Rockfield Elem., St. Gabriel School, Trinity Luth. School, Wayne Elem.

 


Date:               March 14, 2013
Incident #:        2013-8294
Authority:       Lt. Robert Stuesser

On Thursday March 14, 2013 at 6:13 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a barn fire located at 8245 Prospect Dr. in the Town of Kewaskum.  Deputies and firefighters from the Kewaskum Fire Department were subsequently dispatched to the scene.   Upon their arrival, emergency responders found the barn to be partially ablaze with the fire rapidly intensifying.

The Kewaskum Fire Department requested assistance from the Boltonville, Fillmore, Kohlsville, and West Bend Fire Departments to aid in shuttling water to the scene.  The Washington County Highway Department also responded and salted the icy driveway to facilitate fire apparatus access.  The approximate 60’x30’ wood framed barn only contained a small amount of straw, and no other structures were affected by the fire.  Prospect Drive between Badger Road and Ridge Road was closed for approximately 2.75 hours to facilitate firefighting operations.    

An investigation into the cause of the blaze revealed that the barn caught fire from a pile of old straw which the property owner was burning a short distance away.  The property owner was on-scene and called for the fire departments assistance.  The barn is considered a total loss and was valued at approximately $20,000.   

Property Owner:
Gerald Brugger
Town of Tenton          

 


Date:                       March 13, 2013         
Case:                      13-8053
Authority:              Lt. John Buck

A 30 year old Town of Trenton man was critically injured in a 2 vehicle crash that occurred at State Highway 33 and County Highway M. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the crash at 9:18 A.M. The initial call indicated that a car and a semi truck had collided and one subject had been ejected from a vehicle. Newburg Rescue and Fire Department were paged to respond. The injured man was transported to St. Joseph Hospital by Newburg Rescue and immediately transferred to Froedtert Hospital. The initial investigation indicates that the Town of Trenton man was travelling southbound on County Highway M and entered the intersection at State Highway 33 without stopping for the stop sign. As the pickup truck travelled through the intersection it was struck by the eastbound semi truck driven by a 55 year old Sheboygan Falls man. The driver of the semi was not injured. The crash is under investigation by the Washington County Crash Reconstruction Unit.

 

Semi truck driver:                 Ricky Hesselink      

Pickup truck driver:              Dustin Heyn 

 


 

Date:                        March 8, 2013
Case:                       Town of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade
Authority:                Sgt. Tim Kemps 414

The Town of Erin St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 17th. The parade will begin at 9:00am this year. The Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Town of Erin, has taken steps to ensure that the parade route and surrounding highways will be as safe as possible for motorists and pedestrians.

The practice of some groups to establish large party areas along the highway used for the parade route have caused traffic and pedestrian hazards and significant delays in reopening the highway following the parade. The Town of Erin receives a permit from the Washington County Highway Department to hold the parade on a closed portion of CTH K between CTH E (west) and STH 167, however that permit does not include closing the highway for unrestricted partying.

The presence of oversize vehicles, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and the temporary structures associated with these groups contribute to the hazards along the highway. These hazards significantly delay the clearing of the parade route and encourage excessive drinking both before and after the parade. To address these concerns and to ensure the safety of everyone wishing to attend the parade, steps have been taken to minimize these hazards:

  • Only passenger vehicles and trucks not exceeding one ton in capacity will be allowed to park along the parade route. Vehicles which are prohibited from parking on the parade route include recreational vehicles, towed or pickup campers, motor homes, buses, oversize vehicles and/or trailers of any kind.
  • No temporary structures or shelters will be permitted on the parade route.
  • This includes pole tents, frame tents, lean-to’s, awnings, canopies or similar structures regardless of size.

Use of private property along the parade route is at the discretion of the property owners. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the parade route for the purposes of accessing private property or discharging passengers, however they will not be permitted to remain parked along the route. Once the parade route is deemed full all vehicular traffic will be restricted on the parade route. Unauthorized persons, vehicles, and/or structures which are located on private property without the permission of the property owner constitute trespassing. Violators will be cited. All other highways adjacent to the parade route are open highways and all applicable laws will apply.

In addition to the above steps the Sheriff’s Office will be deploying extra Deputies on St. Patrick’s Day dedicated solely to detecting and arresting drivers for OWI violations. This saturation patrol will be made possible by a grant the Sheriff’s Office received from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety. The Sheriff’s Office has received $30,000 for OWI enforcement and an additional $30,000 for speed enforcement in 2013. During 2012 Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 200 people for OWI violations during the course of conducting routine patrol duties. This grant money will be used to conduct additional targeted OWI and speed enforcement above and beyond what Deputies are conducting during their normal shifts. The above grants will fund the deployment on St. Patrick’s Day and several other deployments thoughout the year.

The Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Erin are taking these steps to ensure that the parade is an enjoyable and safe event for everyone.

 


Date:           March 3, 2013           
Case:          House Fire 2013-6939                           
Authority:   Lt. Robert Martin     

Early Sunday morning, fire destroyed a two story single family residence in the 7900 block of County Trunk W, in the Township of Wayne.

The fire was noticed and reported at 3:21am by an individual who was grooming snowmobile trails in the area. The Kohlsville Fire Department was assisted by units from Kewaskum, Campbellsport, Allenton, Boltonville, St. Lawrence, Theresa and West Bend Fire Departments.

The fire was extinguished quickly once units were on scene, however the structure appeared to have suffered extensive interior damage that will likely make it an entire loss. A total dollar amount of damage was not available at this time.

No one was injured and the house was not occupied at the time. Efforts to locate the residents/owner of this property are still ongoing.

Traffic along County Trunk W was restricted for approximately 3 ½ hours, while emergency crews were on scene.  Crews from WE Energies, The Washington County Hwy Department and The Township of Wayne also assisted.

The cause of the fire is not known and it remains under investigation at this time.

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APRIL

Date:                    April 25. 2013
Case:                   13-12423 Update
Authority:           Captain Steve Gonwa

Larry James Arnold, 38, the suspect that has been at large in the Towns of Kewaskum and Farmington since April 20 has been taken into custody by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

At 8:30 a.m. this morning, the Sheriff’s Office was called regarding a burglary in the 2400 block of E. Moraine Dr. in the Town of Farmington. A caretaker for the homeowner was checking the home when he observed a door had been kicked in. The caretaker did not confront Arnold and waited for the Deputy to arrive. This home was approximately one mile east of the residence that was found burglarized on April 24.

When the Deputy arrived at the residence, Arnold fled on foot and the Deputy engaged in a foot pursuit on E. Moraine Dr. before he lost sight of him.  Arnold ran to a nearby residence at E. Moraine Dr. at Wescott Rd. where he engaged the homeowner in the garage and asked for a ride into town.  Arnold then ran into a heavily wooded area to the north.

Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a coordinated foot search of the area while Deputies from Sheboygan and Fond du Lac County Sheriff and State Park Rangers assisted in establishing a perimeter around the area. Larry Arnold was located hiding under an old piece of metal in a heavily wooded area one-half mile northeast of the burglary scene. Deputies took Arnold into custody without any resistance. Arnold was treated at the scene for possible frostbite to his feet and he was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital West Bend. 

Pending his release from the hospital, Arnold will be transported to the Washington County Jail where he will be held on charges stemming from the two residential burglaries and the outstanding warrants from Wood County.

 


Date:               April 25, 2013
Case:              Community Notification
Authority:       Sheriff Dale K. Schmidt       

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to WI Statute 301.46(2m) which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety, awareness and protection. The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense. Further, his criminal history places him in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend.

Justin R. Rathke 27, will be released from prison on April 30, 2013.  After his release he will reside at the Washington County Jail while he attempts to locate a residence and employment.  Rathke was convicted of 1 count of 948.02(2) – 2nd  Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in Washington County on 1/9/2008 and 1 count of 948.02(2) – 2nd  Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in Washington County on 2/25/2009.  Rathke will be on Extended Supervision (probation) until May 7, 2019 and will be monitored closely by WI-DOC Division of Community Corrections agents. While residing in the Washington County Jail he will be chaperoned at all times when leaving the jail to seek a residence and employment.  Rathke will have numerous rules and restrictions to follow including wearing a live tracking GPS unit.

This sex offender has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is NOT wanted by law enforcement at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community.  More information can be located at: http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/proginfo/communitynotification.jsp

Questions: 
Probation/Parole Agent Karissa Olaniyan at 262-335-5673,
Sex Offender Registration Specialist Erich Wuerslin at 414-773-4643 or
Sgt. Jason Guslick at 262-335-4879.

 


Date:              April 24, 2013                     
Subject:         Promotion and Appointment
Authority:      Sheriff Dale Schmidt

PROMOTION

Washington County Sheriff Dale Schmidt is pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Simon to the position of Corrections Sergeant.

Simon graduated cum laude from the UW-Oshkosh in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.  He was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 2004 as a Corrections Officer.  Since that time, he has worked in all areas of the jail, and most recently as a Booking Officer.  Simon fills a vacancy created by a retirement.

The Corrections Sergeant oversees the operation of the County Jail during his/her shift and answers to the Lieutenant or Administrator.  The primary duties include ensuring the safety and security of the facility, supervising the Officers on duty, and making sure policies and procedures are being followed throughout the shift.

APPOINTMENT

Sheriff Schmidt is also pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Sakac to the position of Juvenile Detention Manager.

Sakac earned an Associate Degree in 1994 from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Legal Secretary, and worked in that field for seven years.  In 2001, she was hired as a Corrections Officer for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  She has experience working in all areas of the jail, but focused most recently on the Juvenile Detention Facility.  Sakac fills a vacancy created by a retirement.

The Juvenile Detention Manager oversees the operation of the Juvenile Detention Facility within the County Jail, and answers to the Jail Administrator.  The primary duties include maintaining the proper operation of the facility, supervising the Corrections Officers working in that area, and coordinating with teaching staff, parents and service agencies.  

 


Date:                    April 23, 2013
Case:                   13-12423
Authority:           Capt. Steve Gonwa

The Sheriff’s Office is alerting area residents and hikers of a suspicious person last seen in the  northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The subject is identified as:

Larry James Arnold, 38
M/W  HGT 5’10”  WGT 160  Hair BLOND  Eyes BLUE

On Saturday April 20 at 7:51 p.m., a vehicle was found abandoned on a snowmobile trail in the State Forest located 100 yards south of E. Moraine Dr. in the Town of Kewaskum. The vehicle was discovered by a hiker and reported to the Sheriff’s Office.  The last known operator of the vehicle was identified as Larry Arnold. The owner of the vehicle and Larry Arnold have resided together in the Boltonville area for the past year.  Arnold had permission to use the vehicle, but the owner had no idea why it was left abandoned on the trail. Arnold was last heard from earlier in the day on April 20.

Because of the suspicious circumstances, the vehicle was removed and the area was searched by Deputies using an ATV and handheld FLIR ( infrared ) devices. A tracking dog from the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in a search of the area, however Arnold was not located. On April 21-22, cadaver sniffing dogs from Great Lakes Search & Rescue were also deployed to the area without success in locating Arnold.  The Sheriff’s Office currently has no evidence that Larry Arnold is still in the state forest at this time, however his whereabouts are unknown.

Larry Arnold is currently wanted on outstanding felony warrants issued in 2010 by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. The warrants are for bail jumping and contempt of court after he failed to make court appearances in a disorderly conduct case in Wood County.

Arnold is a known drug user and is currently registered as a sex offender in Wisconsin. He was convicted of Second-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child in 1995. He is not currently on supervision for that offense, but he is not in compliance with meeting registration requirements with the Sex Offender Registry Program. Arnold has a criminal history including charges of disorderly conduct, causing injury by OWI, eluding, resisting and obstructing and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Larry Arnold has not made any recent threats to harm himself or others. He is not known to be armed at this time. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to locate him for questioning and to take him into custody on the outstanding warrants. Due to his criminal history, the public should consider Arnold potentially dangerous.

If you believe you know the whereabouts of Larry Arnold or observe suspicious activity in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, please call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 262-335-4411. 

 


Date:              April 23, 2013                     
Subject:         Crime Victim's Rights Week
Authority:      Sheriff Dale Schmidt

This week is Crime Victim's Rights Week. April 22-27, 2013

Wisconsin courts are required to order offenders pay restitution to their victims. Many times, victims relocate and can't be found when the money is received from the offender.

Press Release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice gives information on a special ceremony and a link to for victims to search for restitution money they may be owed.

 


 

Date:              April 18, 2013                     
Case:             #13-11413 Drug Investigation    
Authority:      Lt. Paul Buth

Charges were filed in Washington County Circuit Court today against Justin G. Straub for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On April 12th, a Sheriff’s Deputy went to Straub’s apartment to hand deliver a citation to him that had been returned as undelivered by the US mail. The Deputy met with the 29 year old suspect at his apartment in the 300 block of Main Street in Allenton (Town of Addison). When Straub answered the door the Deputy Sheriff smelled the odor of raw marijuana emanating from the apartment and noticed that Straub was acting nervous and suspicious. Straub would only speak to the Deputy in the hallway and he closed the apartment door, intentionally locking himself out. When asked about the marijuana smell Straub admitted he had marijuana inside but denied the Deputy consent to enter the apartment to retrieve it.

Members of the Washington County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group (Drug Unit) obtained and executed a search warrant at the apartment based on the Deputy’s observations and Straub’s statements. The Drug Unit located evidence of marijuana trafficking, approximately one half pound of high grade marijuana, and $36,957 in cash. In addition to the illegal drugs and cash, Straub’s vehicle was also seized as it contained marijuana and items relating to marijuana production.

Straub had previously been arrested in 2010 by the Washington County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group. In that case he was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and is still on probation for that offense.

The street value of the half pound of marijuana is approximately $2,000.00.

 


Date:                      April 15, 2013                     
Case:                     13-11611 Traffic Accident Update
Authority:              Sgt. Tim Kemps

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the individuals involved in the accident on CTH WW at St. Anthony Rd in the Town of Addison on 4/13/13. 

The driver of the eastbound pickup truck was Sidney Lehman, 17 year old male from Theresa.  He was treated and released from a local hospital.  His three passengers were also treated and released and names are being withheld based upon their juvenile status. 

The driver of the southbound suv was Donald Weeks, a 35 year old City of West Bend man.  He was treated and released from a local hospital as was one of his back seat passengers Kelly Brock, a 32 year old female from the City of West Bend. 

The two other passengers were 54 year old Wayne Brock and 51 year old Laurie Brock both from the Town of Wayne.  Wayne is being treated for his injuries at Froedtert Hospital and is listed in critical condition.  Laurie also remains hospitalized with non life threatening injuries.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction team continues to investigate the accident.         

 


Date:                      April 13, 2013                     
Case:                     13-11611 Traffic Accident
Authority:              Sgt. Tim Kemps

On 4-13-13 at 4:45pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a 2 car accident with multiple injuries on CTH WW at St. Anthony Road in the Town of Addison.  Rescue personnel from the Allenton Fire Department and deputies were subsequently dispatched to the scene.  The first responding deputy arrived on scene within two minutes of the 911 call and found that there were 4 occupants in each of the vehicles and that all eight were injured to some extent.   The Allenton Fire Department requested additional resources from the Kewaskum, Kohlsville and West Bend Fire Departments as well as Lifestar Ambulance.  The Jaws of Life were used to extricate at least one of the subjects.   Flight For Life was also requested to the scene, however they were diverted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Town of Polk.    

The initial investigation revealed that a pickup truck was travelling eastbound on St Anthony Road when it came over the crest of the hill and failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a SUV that was southbound on CTH WW.  The driver of the eastbound pickup truck was driven by a 17 year old male from Mayville.  His three passengers were all teenagers from Mayville.  They were all transported to local hospitals with non life threatening injuries. 

The southbound SUV was driven by a 35 year old City of West Bend man who was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.  His three passengers were all transported to Froedtert Hospital.  They included a 32 year old West Bend woman who was transported by ambulance to St Joseph’s in the Town of Polk and then was transported by Flight For Life.  The two back seat passengers were a 54 year old Town of Wayne man and a 51 year old Town of Wayne female who were transported by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital.  The 54 year old man is listed in serious condition and the others are believed to have sustained non-life threatening injuries.  

Alcohol does not appear to be factor in the crash.  All the people involved were wearing their safety belts.  The accident remains under investigation at this time by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  CTH WW was shut down for over an hour and the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol.


 Date:                      April 9, 2013                     
Case:                     13-11130 Structure Fire caused by Lightning
Authority:              Sgt. Tim Kemps

On 4/9/13 at approximately 2:11 pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a structure fire at 7320 CTH O in the Town of Erin.  The dispatch center received two 911 calls from separate neighbors who reported hearing thunder and then observed smoke coming from a 2400 square foot garage on the property.  The Hartford Fire Department as well as sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene.  Upon the first units arrival the structure was already fully engulfed.

The Hartford Fire Department was assisted by the Ashippun, Lebanon, Neosho, Richfield, St. Lawrence, Slinger and Stonebank Fire Departments.  The fire was put out however most of the contents inside the garage are being considered a total loss.  The garage contained numerous antique cars, along with several other vehicles and other tools.  The total loss is estimated at around 125,000 dollars.  The fire was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office along with the Hartford Fire Department and it was determined that the fire was caused by a lighting strike based on witness statements and evidence at the scene.  There were no injuries as a result of this blaze and no one was home at the property at the time of the fire.  The highway was shut down for approximately 4 hours while firefighters battled the blaze.

 


 

Date:                      April 8, 2013                     
Case:                     13-10688 Explosive Devices - Drug Investigation 
Authority:              Lt. Paul Buth

April 5th The Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 22 year old man in the Town of Farmington for manufacturing improvised explosives. The Washington County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group (Drug Unit) obtained and executed a search warrant at the home in the 1200 block of Lakeview Rd.

Investigation continued over the weekend. In addition to the explosives charge, several other charges were developed as a result of the search warrant. On April 8th the suspect was charged in Washington County Circuit Court with manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a drug trafficking place, as well as possession of an improvised explosive device.

As a result of the investigation the Drug Unit seized 986 grams (approximately 2 pounds) of high grade marijuana, two firearms, $10,892 in cash, a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck, and a 2006 Yamaha ATV.  Materials for making pipe bombs including pipes with end caps and powder were seized but no live devices were located at the home.

Value of the 2 pounds of marijuana would be approximately $9,000. Additional charges related to the weapons are likely.

The 22 year old man who was arrested is not the owner of the home. The homeowners are not expected to be charged with any crime in relation to this investigation.

Suspect:
Ethan M. Boettcher

 

 

 


Date:                      April 5, 2013                     
Case:                     13-10688 Explosive Devices    
Authority:              Sgt. Randy Boudry

On April 5, 2013 at 9:13 a.m. Washington County Deputies responded to an initial call from an abandoned 9-1-1 call from the 1200 block of Lakeview Road, in the Town of Farmington. Upon investigating Deputies' arrival and in speaking to the occupant of the home, the Deputies learned a 22 year old West Bend man burned his face the previous day while manufacturing pipe bombs. Deputies observed what appeared to be components of explosive devices within the home and evacuated the house and immediate area.

The Milwaukee County Bomb Disposal Unit was requested and did respond to the scene. After Sheriff's Deputies obtained a search warrant, entry was made to the home where the pipe bombs were found to be in the process of construction and located in a bedroom.

Due to the rural nature of where the house is located, there were no nearby homes or area residents that were in danger at the location these devices were found. The devices were collected as evidence once they were determined to be safe.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by member of the Sheriff's Office with assistance from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

The 22 year old suspect is in custody and a felony charge of manufacturing of explosive device will be requested by the Sheriff's Office. The case remains ongoing.

 

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MAY

Date:               May 24, 2013
Case:              13-11611 (update)
Authority:       SHERIFF DALE SCHMIDT

On April 19th, 2013, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sidney Lehman on several criminal charges in relation to the traffic crash which occurred on April 13th.  On April 22nd, Lehman appeared in Circuit Court for a Bond Hearing on those charges and was released on a $25,000 Signature Bond.

On May 20th, Lehman was formally charged with the following crimes:

1

941.30(2)

2nd-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety

Felony G

2

346.62(4)

Reckless Driving-Cause Great Bodily Harm

Felony I

3

346.62(3)

Reckless Driving-Cause Bodily Harm

Misd. U

4

346.62(3)

Reckless Driving-Cause Bodily Harm

Misd. U

5

346.62(3)

Reckless Driving-Cause Bodily Harm

Misd. U

After a thorough scene investigation, and interviews with witnesses, the Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed probable cause that Lehman was driving recklessly when he intentionally went through a stop sign causing the crash, and injuring seven other people along with himself.

Lehman remains free on the Signature Bond pending the next court appearance on June 19th.

 


Date:                  May 8, 2013
Case:                 13-14068 Burning Accident
Authority:           Lt. Martin R. Schulteis

On 05/05/13, a 53 year-old Town of Polk man was seriously burned as a result of a medical issue he experienced while burning wood in a fire pit.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Life Star Rescue responded to the 4000 block of Hillside Rd at 2:51 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from a 41 year-old City of Milwaukee woman who was visiting her sister at a nearby residence. 

Upon the deputy’s arrival, the victim was alert and conscious despite receiving 3rd degree burns over a significant portion of his body.  The victim explained he was burning some wood in a fire pit when nearby leaves ignited from the flying embers.  The victim then attempted to extinguish the growing fire and collapsed due to the combination of his medical issue and exhaustion.  The fire then began to burn through the area where he collapsed.

The victim explained he was unable to move and began yelling for help.  The 41 year-old City of Milwaukee woman and her 40 year-old husband immediately responded to the pleas for help and pulled the victim from the fire.  The woman then called 911 while they continued to monitor the victim and attempt to put the fire out.  The sister of the caller, a 44 year-old Town of Polk resident, arrived home as the rescue was taking place and also assisted in extinguishing the fire with buckets of water.

The victim was transported to Columbia St Mary’s Hospital – Ozaukee by Life Star Rescue where he will remain for several weeks recovering from his burn injuries. 

 

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JUNE

Date:                  June 11, 2013
Case:                 OWI Grant
Authority:          Sgt. Jason Guslick

The Sheriff’s Office received grants from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety to conduct dedicated speed and OWI enforcement patrols.  Often, contributing factors in fatal and serious injury car crashes are speed violations and OWI driver impairment.  Recently, between May 24 and June 4 the Sheriff’s Office conducted several high visibility saturation patrols targeting speed and OWI violations.  During the above period of time Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 12 subjects for OWI violations.  Deputies who worked overtime, funded by the above grants, accounted for 5 of the 12 OWI arrests and also issued 34 speeding citations.  Below is a breakdown of the OWI arrests made:

  • 6 arrests for 1st Offense OWI
  • 1 arrest for 2nd Offense OWI – this subject had a 4 year old child in the car
  • 1 arrest for 3rd Offense OWI
  • 3 arrests for 4th Offense OWI
  • 1 arrest for 6th Offense OWI

Half of the offenders had at least 1 prior OWI conviction on their record!

 

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JULY

Date:                     7/24/13         
Subject:               Injury Accident 13-23639       
Authority:            Sgt. Chad Beres

On the above date at 8:24 pm the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch was notified of a car vs. motorcycle accident involving injury at the intersection of Hwy 33 and Hwy 144 in the town of West Bend.  Sheriff’s Deputies and Allenton Fire & Rescue were sent to the scene.  A member of the Kohlsville Fire Department came upon the scene and requested Flight for Life and West Bend Intercept.

Upon arrival the motorcycle operator (an 18-year old Slinger man) was laying face down at the northeast corner of the intersection and he was being tended to by some motorists who had come upon the accident.  He was conscious and alert.  The operator of the car (a 46-year old West Bend man) was not injured. 

Witnesses to the accident reported the motorcycle was northbound on Hwy 144 and failed to stop for the stop sign.  The car was eastbound and struck the motorcycle directly on the left side ejecting the operator who was wearing a helmet and eye protection.  The motorcycle operator was transported to St. Joes via ambulance and subsequently transported to Froedtert Hospital via Flight for Life.  The motorcycle operator’s injuries are severe, but are not believed to be life threatening.

 


Date:                     July 17, 2013
Subject:                13-22197 Addendum-Richfield Assault
Authority:             Sheriff Dale K. Schmidt

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 19 year old Village of Richfield man in connection with the attack on a woman in the Richfield Historical Park on July 12th.

The man was developed as a suspect through department records which showed his vehicle being checked by a Deputy in the park on July 1.  During an interview with Sheriff’s Detectives, the man confessed to the attack.  The man is currently being held in the Washington County Jail, and charges of 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and Aggravated Battery will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office.

 


Date:                       July 12, 2013 
Subject:                 Assault at Richfield Historical Park - 13-22197      
Authority:              Lt Robert Konstanz

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the report of an assault at the Richfield Historical Park.  The park is located at 4399 Pleasant Hill Rd in the Village of Richfield. 

At 10:49 am a 20 year old Menomonee Falls woman called the Sheriff’s Office to report she was physically assaulted after she was walking her dog in the park.  The victim reported that she was approached by a man that she described as a white male, 6’2”, 210 lbs, blonde hair, with black framed sunglasses. The suspect’s vehicle was described as a dark blue dodge caravan. The woman was treated at a local hospital and was released.  The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a composite sketch of the suspect which is shown below.

Anyone with information on a possible suspect should call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 262-335-4411 or Detective Joel Clausing at 262-335-4748.

 

 


Date:                July 11, 2013               
Case(s):           Motor Vehicle Thefts
                        13-16282, 13-14394, 13-13749, 13-13746, 13-00475,
                        13-13482, 13-13211, 13-13206
Authority:        Lt Robert Konstanz

Charges have been forwarded to the Washington County District Attorney Office for a 25 year old male from the Town of Trenton and his 24 year old live-in girlfriend after an investigation revealed that the male was stealing items from parked motor vehicles.  These thefts occurred in the Town of Trenton & the City of West Bend.  It is alleged that the woman knowingly possessed some of the stolen goods while the male has confessed to several of the thefts.

A patrol Deputy developed this male as a suspect and observed the suspect driving in Washington County.  After the deputy completed a traffic stop on the vehicle, the deputy located stolen property inside the vehicle. 

Subsequent interviews and follow up from the Detective Bureau cleared numerous cases and identified many victims.  Some property has been returned and the Sheriff’s Office believes that we have identified all of the victims at this point.  The male subject remains in custody while the female subject is not in custody at this time.

No charges have been issued at this time.

No further information will be released at this time.

 


Date:                   For Release on 7/9/13
Case(s):              Community Notification
Authorization:     Sheriff  Dale K. Schmidt

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to WI Statute 301.46(2m) which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety, awareness and protection. The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense. Further, his criminal history places him in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend.

Matthew J. Davis, 26, will be released from prison on July 9, 2013.  After his release he will reside at the Washington County Jail while he attempts to locate a residence and employment.  Davis was convicted of 2 counts of 948.02(2) – 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child; 1 count in Washington County on 6/4/2008 and 1 count in Rock County on 1/11/2008.  Davis will be on Extended Supervision (probation) until July 11, 2023 and will be monitored closely by WI-DOC Division of Community Corrections agents. While residing in the Washington County Jail he will be chaperoned at all times when leaving the jail to seek a residence and employment.  Davis will have numerous rules and restrictions to follow including wearing a live tracking GPS unit.

This sex offender has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. He is NOT wanted by law enforcement at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community. 

Questions: 

Probation/Parole Agent Karissa Olaniyan at 262-335-5673,
Sex Offender Registration Specialist Erich Wuerslin at 414-773-4643 or
Sgt. Jason Guslick at 262-335-4879.

 


Date:                       July 2, 2013
Case:                      13-20894 Home Intrusion
Authority:               CAPTAIN STEVE GONWA

On July 1 at 12:06 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of an attempted home intrusion on Skyline Dr. in the Village of Richfield. Upon the Deputy’s arrival, the suspect, a 29 year old Town of Erin man, was taken into custody. 

A homeowner was inside the residence in a bedroom watching a movie when she heard noises coming from bushes outside her window.  When she investigated the source of the noise, she observed the suspect standing outside the bedroom window.  She did not recognize the suspect. When she demanded to know what he was doing there, the suspect responded with sexually suggestive remarks. The homeowner dialed 911 and woke her husband.  The suspect went to the rear door of the residence and began knocking on the door. He then walked to the front of the residence, opened the screen door and tried to open the locked front door. He then started pounding and kicking at the front door.

When he was told to leave, the suspect kicked and cracked an opening in the front door and began reaching inside to unlock it. The husband leaned into the door from inside and struck at the suspect’s hand to keep the suspect from entering. At this point, the homeowner’s adult son had been awakened and he armed himself with a shotgun inside the residence.  The suspect shouted to be let into the residence as he was “Jesus”. The husband was able to engage the suspect in conversation through the door until the Deputy arrived and took him into custody at gunpoint.

The suspect’s vehicle was found parked near the residence. Upon questioning, he stated that he had been led to the residence but would not elaborate. There is no known relationship between the suspect and the homeowners. He reported seeing demons and was possibly under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. The suspect has a criminal history and is also a mixed martial arts fighter. He will face charges of criminal trespass, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. He is currently detained in a mental health facility under a Chapter 51 emergency detention.

 

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AUGUST

Date:                       August 28, 2013                               
Case:                     Burglary 13-27743                
Authority:              Sgt. Tim Kemps         

On Wednesday, August 28 at 1:20pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible residential burglary on Sandy Ridge Road in the Town of Barton.  The Sheriff’s Office was informed that two teenage boys were at home sleeping when one of them was awoken by noises inside the residence.  He went to investigate the noises and appeared to have startled the intruder who subsequently attacked him.  The teenager and his brother were tied up inside the residence.

The intruder stole a vehicle from the residence and fled the area.  The suspect obtained a phone number from the teenagers of someone that he could call for them.   He then contacted the relative notifying them that the teenagers were tied up at the residence and that they were unharmed.  The teenagers did not receive any significant injuries during this incident.  They were not able to provide a detailed suspect description because he was wearing a mask.

This case remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  No additional information will be released at this time.

 


Date:                      August 28, 2013
Subject:                 Award Recipient – Communications Supervisor
Authority:              Sheriff Dale Schmidt

On August 20th, 2013, Sergeant Jill Raffay received the NICE Systems “Line Supervisor of the Year” award at the National APCO Conference in Anaheim, California. 

Sgt. Raffay is the Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor.  She was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Captain Steve Gonwa and selected for the award by a panel of judges from the 9-1-1 industry.

More information can be found at:  http://www.nice.com/2013-psaps-finest-winners-recognized-nice-ceremony-national-apco-conference

Contact: 

Linda Haelsen-NICE Systems - 203-481-4168 ~   
Capt. Gonwa-Nominator -           262-335-4388
Sgt. Raffay -                                  262-335-4398


 

Date:                   August 25, 2013
Subject:             Structure Fire (2013-27371)
Authority:          Sgt Ryan Herman

On Sunday, August 25th, 2013, at 1:58 AM the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to 527 Franklin St. in the Village of Newburg for a report of heavy smoke in the upper apartment. While the Newburg Fire Department and sheriff’s office responded, the upper tenants at the address vacated the building. On arrival, it was confirmed that all tenants from the only occupied unit were evacuated. The unoccupied lower unit of the building was full of heavy smoke and some visible flames. The Newburg Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames on arrival.  There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

The fire was first detected by the upper unit tenants when awoken by the family dog. They noticed heavy smoke in the apartment and evacuated, only to find the lower unit on fire. The tenants notified the sheriff’s office via ‘911’. There were working smoke detectors in the building. There was no need for Red Cross assistance, as the tenants had other living arrangements made.

The fire is being investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations. The cause of fire is not known at this time. There is moderate damage to the property as a result of heavy smoke and fire, but no dollar estimates are available.

Assisting fire departments were Cedarburg, Fillmore, Jackson, Saukville and West Bend. WE energies assisted with de-energizing the residence.

 


Date:                                  August 22, 2013
Case:                                 String of Residential Burglaries
Authority:                         Captain Steve Gonwa

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a recent string of residential burglaries occurring in the county. The daytime burglaries occurred between the end of July and through August:

600 block of Colgate Rd. Village of Richfield.
Forced entry. Cash, change and jewelry taken.

2800 block of Mayfield Rd. Town of Polk
Entry through unlocked door. Change taken.

3400 block of South Shore Dr. Village of Richfield
Entry through unlocked door. Medication, laptop and television taken.

These burglaries are believed to be related to several suspicious person calls received in the same time period.

6200 block of Cty Tk M Town of Trenton
A female suspect with blond hair and large frame glasses approached a residence asking if a certain person lived there. The person did not live there. One week later, at the same residence,a male suspect knocked on the door and asked if it would be okay if he used their back field to do some driving with his golf clubs. He was told no. The suspect left with a companion in a smaller black or dark colored pickup truck.

4600 block of Maple Rd Town of Jackson
A smaller black pickup truck pulled into a driveway. A blond female suspect knocked on the door and asked where the nearest gas station was.

4300 block of Pleasant Hill Rd. Village of Richfield
A male suspect with blond hair came to the residence in an older black pickup truck. The suspect walked to a garage door, then rang the front doorbell. When the homeowner answered the door, the suspect seemed surprised to find someone home. The suspect asked the homeowner if he owned the wheat field behind the residence.

These suspects appear to be casing residences looking for unoccupied homes to burglarize. If a homeowner is there, they ask questions that should raise suspicion. The suspects being sought are described as:

White male, 20s, longer, dirty blond hair. Has worn a black t-shirt or a light colored shirt and jeans.
White female. 20s, blond hair, possibly large frame glasses, seen wearing a flannel shirt.

The vehicle is described as:

Black pickup truck, similar to a Chevy S-10 or Ford Ranger, older in condition

Do not try to detain these suspects or confront them. Residents are asked to report any suspicious circumstances involving these suspects or the suspect vehicle to the Sheriff’s Office. These suspects may be implicated in burglaries outside of Washington County and the Sheriff’s Office is coordinating investigations and following up on leads with those authorities.

 


Date:                          August 22, 2013
Case:                         13-26976, 26983, 26984      
Authority:                 Sgt. Randy Boudry

 On 8-22-2013, Washington County authorities were alerted to a possible lightning strike to the southbound lanes of US 41 north of Sherman Rd in the Town of Polk. The call was taken by Sheriff’s dispatchers at 11:18 AM. When deputies arrived to the area, they found an approximately 18 inch deep, 3 feet long hole blasted from the asphalt road.

Deputies also handled a total of three vehicles that were damaged as a result of this incident. One dump truck that was hauling granite appears to have suffered a lightning strike causing some of the load to be propelled from the truck. The strike caused the truck to lose power but the driver was able to steer to the shoulder area and off of the road. The driver was uninjured and the truck was later able to be restarted and removed from the highway.

Two other passing cars suffered wheel and tire damage by striking either the hole or up to 18 inch pieces of asphalt that were lying on the highway. They were assisted by local wrecker services and later left under their own power.

The highway department was requested and responded to the scene making temporary repairs to the roadway. This resulted in the short term closure of one of the two lanes of US 41. All lanes were repaired and reopened after approximately 45 minutes.  

 


Date:            August 16, 2013
Subject:      13-26222 Gas Leak
Authority:    Sgt. Randy Boudry

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a natural gas leak in the Town of West Bend at 10:16 am near the intersection of STH 33 and STH 144.

The gas line was ruptured on the south side of STH 33 by a bulldozer that was working in conjunction with the STH 33 road reconstruction project.

There were no injuries, fires or explosions as a result of the gas leak. There were also no evacuations as a result.

Due to the changing wind directions and the volume of leaking gas, STH 33 was closed between STH 144 and CTH Z as a safety precaution. The road was closed from the time of the call until the gas line was made safe at 1:30 PM by WE Energies.

Responded to the scene were Allenton and St. Lawrence Fire Departments. They stood by until the situation was resolved and the road reopened.


Date:                      August 16, 2013
Subject:                Drug Apprehension (13-26104)
Authority:             Lt.  Paul Buth

The Washington County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group (Drug Unit) executed a search warrant at 5855 STH 144 in the Town of West Bend on August 15. The search warrant was the result of an ongoing drug investigation.

The Drug Unit seized 49 marijuana plants that were being grown in an out building on the property.  Also seized was 7.62 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and various sophisticated growing equipment.

The 54 year old suspect was arrested and charges were requested for Manufacture/Delivery of Marijuana, Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The suspect is expected to make his initial court appearance later today.

Street value of these plants if raised to maturity and harvested for sale could be estimated at $1000 per plant.

 

NOTICE:
In compliance with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Senne v. Village of Palatine, 695F3d597 (7th Circuit, 2012), and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (“DPPA”), 18 U.S.C. §2721 et.seq., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is no longer releasing personal information under the DPPA unless it falls under a permissible use.  Personal information obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles, including an individual’s date of birth, drivers license number, social security number, home address, telephone number, photograph and medical or disability information is prohibited from disclosure unless one of the permissible uses applies.  Permissible uses are listed in 18 U.S.C. 2721 (b).

 


Date:                      August 9, 2013                     
Subject:                Motorcycle Accident(13-25427)      
Authority:             Lt. Robert Stuesser            

On Thursday August 8, 3103 at approximately 3:22 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motorcycle accident with injuries in the area of northbound USH 45 and Park Ave. in the city of West Bend.  Sheriff’s Deputies, West Bend PD Officers, and members of the West Bend Fire Department were subsequently dispatched to the scene.  Upon their arrival, rescue personnel located the motorcyclist, a 29 year old West Bend man, lying in the grassy median.  He had been ejected from his motorcycle and was wearing a helmet.  The motorcyclist was transported via West Bend Rescue to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa with non-life threatening injuries.

The motorcyclist indicated that he had been northbound on USH 45, in the left lane, when a mid-sized blue car transitioned into his lane of travel from the right.  To avoid striking the car, the motorcyclist took evasive action and subsequently crashed.  The accident remains under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of the blue car.  Any witnesses to the crash are requested to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 262-335-4420.            

 

 

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SEPTEMBER

Date:                       September 30, 2013
Subject:                  Injury Accident 13-31828   
Authority:                Sgt. Beres

On the above date at 3:23pm the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a single vehicle rollover accident in the area of Slinger Road and Sherman Road in the Town of Polk.  Lifestar Ambulance and Slinger Fire Department were dispatched along with deputies from the Sheriff’s Office.  The Sheriff’s Office requested a squad from the Slinger Police Department respond as well to check for injuries. 

Upon arrival, the officer from Slinger reported the driver of the vehicle was moving, but would need to be extricated from the vehicle.  Slinger Fire Department requested Flight for Life respond to the scene as well as Hartford Fire Department to assist in landing Flight for Life. 

The driver was a 20-year old Richfield man and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle involved.  He was extricated from the vehicle and flown to Froedtert Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The vehicle involved was northbound on Slinger Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle.  It went off the east shoulder, overturned twice and came to rest on the roof with the driver inside.  This matter is still under investigation so no further information is being released at this time, but speed does appear to be a contributing factor in the accident.                  

 

 


Date:                      September 16, 2013  
Subject:                Suspect Arrested in Residential Fire Investigation
Authority:              Lt Robert Konstanz

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with the Department of Justice -- Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Arson Bureau, has made an arrest in regards to a residential fire in the early morning hours of August 25, 2013, at 527 Franklin St. in the Village of Newburg. 

An origin and cause investigation has been conducted, which indicates the fire was intentionally set.  The suspect, Sean Michael Regan (DOB 06-11-90) of Newburg, has been charged in Washington County Circuit Court with Arson of a Building without the Owner’s Consent, Burglary, 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and Criminal Damage to Property.  The damage to the residence is estimated between $200,000 and $220,000.  Regan remains jailed with a $50,000 cash bond.

For more information see the criminal complaint filed in this matter.

 


Date:                       September 16, 2013
Case:                       Accident 13-30051
Authority:              Captain Steve Gonwa

 

Washington County suffered its fifth (5th) traffic fatality of 2013 following a four vehicle rear end collision on Hwy 33 west of Aurora Rd. in the Town of Addison.  The accident occurred at 8:15 a.m.

Four vehicles were travelling westbound on Hwy 33 and were stopped in the westbound lane at a traffic control point in the Hwy 33 construction zone. The control point was manned by an employee of the construction crew who was using a portable stop sign to control the flow of westbound traffic.  The stop sign was directing for westbound traffic to stop.

The rear-most vehicle stopped in traffic was a sedan operated by a 33 year old West Bend woman. A 50 year old woman, also from West Bend, was a passenger in the front passenger seat. 

A westbound SUV operated by a 22 year old West Bend woman failed to stop for the vehicles stopped in traffic. The SUV collided with the sedan causing it to strike the next vehicle in line and then skid across the lanes of traffic and enter the eastbound ditch line. That next vehicle in line then rear ended one additional vehicle that was stopped in traffic. 

The passenger in the sedan was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Medical Examiner. The driver of the sedan was transported with non-life threatening injuries to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee by West Bend Rescue. The driver of the SUV was transported with non-life threatening injuries to St. Josephs Hospital in West Bend by Allenton Rescue.  The drivers of the other two vehicles declined treatment for any injuries. Allenton Fire Department responded for assistance at the scene.

Inattentive driving by the operator of the SUV is believed to have been a contributing factor in the accident. The accident is being investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Team.

 


Date:                      September 14, 2013
Subject:                Richfield Fire     
Authority:             Sgt. Randy Boudry

         
A Village of Richfield fire caused estimated $200,000 damage to a home and contents on Saturday morning. The fire on Friess Lake Rd. was reported to authorities at 8:25 am on 9-14-2013. One of the homeowners sustained minor burns to both arms as he attempted to extinguish the fire. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Fire departments responding and assisting were Richfield, Germantown, Jackson, Slinger and Lisbon. No firefighters were hurt while at the scene.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined and is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and Richfield Fire Department.

Passage to a section of the road was closed for several hours as the fire departments fought the fire.

 


Date:                     September 6, 2013                             
Case:                    Sheriff's Office Robot Deployed              
Authority:             Sheriff Dale Schmidt   

ROBOT PROVIDES INFO TO RESOLVE HIGH RISK INCIDENTS

Sheriff’s Deputies used the department robot this past weekend to help end a potential high risk incident in the Town of Trenton.

A concerned person called the Sheriff’s Office on Monday to report her friend was suicidal.  She also said she had seen a gun at the residence recently.  When the man would not answer phone calls, Deputies opened the door under community caretaker laws and sent in the robot with a camera.  The man was observed asleep and unarmed.  Deputies then entered and contacted the man who was taken into custody for Bail Jumping due to his intoxication.

The robot was also used on a high risk call call in July in the Village of Germantown.  In that incident, Germantown Police officers were conducting a welfare check on a subject when they heard a gunshot inside the residence.  The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was called to resolve the incident.  After receiving no answer on phone calls, the robot was used to look for the subject inside the residence.  Deputies could see on camera that the stairs had been blocked with furniture.  The robot was then put on a first story roof and the camera was used to peer into a second story bedroom window.  The subject appeared to have taken his own life, and SWAT Officers then entered to confirm that.

The robot was purchased in 2011 to increase officer safety, and make better decisions regarding use of force in high risk incidents.

 


Date:                     September 3, 2013                             
Case:                     Lawn Mower Accident -13-28484              
Authority:             Sgt. Tim Kemps 414/1086   

 

On September 3, 2013 at 7:11pm the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a 3 year old boy that was injured by a riding lawn mower at 4861 Lois Lane in the Town of West Bend.  The Allenton Fire Department along with Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene.

The Allenton Fire Department requested assistance at the scene from the West Bend Fire Department.  The child was taken by ambulance to St Joseph’s Hospital in the Town of Polk, and then flown to Children’s Hospital via Flight For Life.  The child’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the child was running behind the lawnmower and subsequently slipped and slid underneath the deck.  The incident appears to be accidental.

 

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OCTOBER

Date:                      October 28, 2013       
Subject:                Structure Fire  #13-35262       
Authority:              Sgt. Randy Boudry

The Sheriff’s office was notified at 6:06 AM of a chimney fire on Enge Drive in the Village of Newburg. The side by side duplex was occupied at the time the fire was reported with the families able to leave the homes and shelter with neighbors.

One unit was rented by a family of five consisting of two adults and three children. This family is being assisted by the Red Cross on temporary housing and clothing needs.

The second unit was rented by a family of three adults who have not yet requested assistance.

Newburg fire department was assisted by Fillmore, West Bend, Jackson, Cedarburg, Port Washington, Grafton, Fredonia, and Waubeka fire departments.

There were no reports of injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

The entire structure, as well as the contents was heavily damaged. There is no dollar estimate yet available on the loss.

Fire and Sheriff Department investigators remain on scene pending further investigation on the cause of the fire.

 

 


Date:                       October 22. 2013
Case:                     Traffic Fatality 13-34543
Authority:              Captain Gonwa

Washington County suffered its sixth (6th) traffic fatality of 2013 following a two vehicle head on collision on Hwy 33 east of Cty Tk M in the Town of Trenton.  The accident occurred at 5:08 a.m.

A vehicle operated by a 41 year old Milwaukee woman was eastbound on Hwy 33 when her vehicle entered a curve and crossed left of center into the westbound lane.  The vehicle collided head on with a westbound vehicle being operated by a 42 year old woman from the Village of Newburg.  The Newburg woman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Medical Examiner. The Milwaukee woman was transported to Froedtert Hospital by Flight for Life with serious injuries.

Newburg FD and Rescue responded to the scene. Hwy 33 was closed to traffic for approximately 4.5 hours as a result of the accident.

The reason for the eastbound vehicle operating left of center is undetermined at this time. The investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team is continuing.

 


Date:              October 21, 2013
Incident:         Mass Casualty Training Drill 10-26-2013
Authority:      Lt. Bruce Theusch

On October 26th, 2013 from approximately 7:00 am to 12:00 pm there will be a Mass Casualty Training Drill at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 4860 County Trunk NN.

The training drill will include Washington County Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire & Rescue Units from Washington- Ozaukee- Fond du lac- Waukesha- Dodge Counties and Washington County Emergency Management.  Area hospitals will also be participating in the exercise.

Due to the magnitude of this drill County Trunk NN from State Hwy 144 to Arthur Road will be closed during this exercise. Residents are being asked to avoid this area. A detour will be posted utilizing Arthur Road, Hillside Road and Cedar Creek Road.

There will be a media staging area near the intersection of County Trunk NN and State Hwy 144. Media personnel wishing to attend are requested to RSVP the Sheriff’s Office at (262)335-4388.

 


Date:                       October 20, 2013      
Subject:                  Armed Robbery 13-34327    
Authority:               Sgt. Beres

On the above date at 5:46pm the Sheriff’s Office received a call from an employee of Romie’s Service located at 523 Main St. in Allenton (Town of Addison) reporting they had been robbed by a masked subject with a gun.  The employee reported the suspect left on foot and a vehicle was not observed.  Deputies were on scene within a matter of minutes, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect was described as a wearing all black clothing which included shoes, pants, a hoodie or jacket with the hood up, gloves, and a mask covering his/her face.  The suspect demanded the cash drawer from the register and pulled a black pistol when the employee refused.  The employee gave the suspect the cash drawer.  The suspect removed most of the cash and left on foot.  The entire incident took place in approximately 45 seconds.

There were a couple patrons who witnessed the suspect, but they couldn’t provide any more details about the suspect’s description other than the above information.  We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with information about the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

 


Date:                 October 17, 2013        
Subject:           Review of Officer Involved Shooting        
Authority:        Captain Steve Gonwa

On October 17, Washington County District  Attorney Mark Bensen has determined that the shooting of a 24 year old Waukesha man by law enforcement officers in the Village of Jackson was justified.

At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday October 6, an employee of the Culvers restaurant in Jackson called 911 reporting  that the manager had been confronted by an armed man at the back door of the  restaurant.  The suspect, armed with a shotgun and knife, engaged in a life-threatening struggle with the manager.   A Jackson police officer and two Washington County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene and confronted the suspect at gunpoint. The suspect failed to obey the commands of the officers. When the suspect pointed the shotgun at the officers, they fired their weapons striking the suspect. The suspect survived the shooting and was ultimately transported by Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital where he remains hospitalized. He has provided a statement to investigators. 

Upon review of the reports and evidence submitted by the West Bend Police Department, Jackson Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office relating to this incident, the District Attorney has concluded that the actions of the Jackson officer and Sheriff’s deputies were “entirely appropriate and privileged  by self-defense and defense of others” under state law.

The officers have been on paid administrative leave since the incident. As a result of this decision, they will be permitted to return to active duty at this time.

Criminal charges against the suspect remain pending.

The names of the officers involved in this incident and their years of law enforcement experience:

Jackson PD Officer Ron Laabs   20 years
Deputy Sheriff Scott Nauman      15 years
Deputy Sheriff Keith Uhan            12 years


Date:                October 8, 2013        
Subject:           Attempted Armed Robbery        
Authority:       Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Washington County
                          Chief Kenneth Meuler, City of West Bend
                          Chief Jed Dolnick, Village of Jackson

The West Bend Police Department has been investigating the attempted armed robbery of the Culver’s Restaurant at W227 N16880 Tillie Lake Court in Jackson, Wisconsin, and the subsequent shooting of the suspect by a Jackson police officer and Washington County Sheriff’s deputies. The following is what we have been able to determine through our investigation.

On Sunday, October 6, 2013 at approximately 8:20 A.M., the manager and an employee of Culver’s were inside, preparing to open the restaurant, when they heard noise outside the rear door. When the manager opened the door to investigate the source of the noise, he was confronted by a man wearing a mask and armed with a shotgun. The manager grabbed the shotgun and attempted to disarm the suspect. During the subsequent struggle, the suspect momentarily lost control of the shotgun and produced a knife that he had been carrying. The suspect then stabbed the manager in the head. The suspect and the manager continued to fight for control of both the shotgun and the knife until the arrival of a Jackson police officer and deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. At that time, the suspect gained control of the shotgun and pointed it at the officers. The Jackson officer and two deputies fired shots at the suspect.

Emergency medical personnel from the Jackson Fire Department immediately responded to the scene, treated the suspect and the manager, and conveyed both to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The suspect was transferred to Froedtert Hospital by Flight for Life. He is presently in critical condition. Multiple charges, including Attempted Armed Robbery, Reckless Injury, five counts of Recklessly Endangering Safety, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Violation of Probation, will be sent to the District Attorney for consideration.

The suspect is a 24 year old Waukesha man with previous convictions for Fleeing an Officer, Resisting an Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Disorderly Conduct.

The Culver’s manager was treated and released from St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Investigators from the City of West Bend, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol are continuing the investigation and have been working with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

No additional information will be released
until the District Attorney has reviewed the police reports.

    


Date:                       October 1, 2013        
Subject:                  Location of missing endangered subject 13-31971         
Authority:               Sgt. Beres       

On the above date at 2:32pm the Sheriff’s Office received an APB (all points bulletin) from Carrollton Police Department in Texas in reference to missing endangered persons from their jurisdiction.  The information provided was a 57-year old Texas man was traveling with his 8-year old and 7-year old grandchildren.  The man had been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus which causes memory loss and he left his residence with his grandchildren at 2:00pm on 9/29/13 to go to a park that was two blocks away from his residence.  The man and his grandchildren did not return home and he did not take his cell phone with him.  Carrollton Police Department requested agencies check rest stops, motels, and hotels for these missing endangered subjects.

Carrollton Police Department was tracking his whereabouts by monitoring his credit card activity.  The bulletin indicated the man had used an ATM in Skokie, Illinois at approximately 1:30pm.  At 5:06pm this man approached a deputy from our department on Highway 33 in the Town of Addison asking for directions to Dallas, Texas.  The deputy ran the man’s Texas license plate through Communications Officer’s in our Dispatch Center who quickly advised the deputy of the man’s missing endangered status.  The grandchildren were still with their grandfather and they were fine.

Our office worked in conjunction with Carrollton Police Department and Washington County Acute Care Services to place the grandchildren and their grandfather in safe locations until their family arrives to bring them back to Texas.     

 

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NOVEMBER

Date:                   November 17, 2013
Subject:             Severe Weather in Washington County
Authority:          Lt. Bruce Theusch

On November 17th, 2013 at approximately 10:34 am severe weather moved through the north end of Washington County resulting in widespread damage.  The area’s most effected were in the Town of Addison (Allenton area) and the Town of Farmington.

A residence on Elm St in Allenton lost a portion of its roof.

Two farms in the Town of Farmington suffered severe damage one located on State Road 28 and the other on Wescott Road.

The farm on State Road 28 lost a portion of its roof and suffered damage to nearly all of its outbuildings.  One cow was fatally injured.

The farm on Wescott Road had a silo collapse on a barn that held cattle.  Recovery efforts remain underway; however it is belief that 10-15 cows were killed at the time of the collapse.

At this time there has not been a determination on whether or not the damage was caused by straight line winds or a tornado.

Numerous residences in the area remain without power.

 


Date:              November 16, 2013  
Subject:        Motor Vehicle Accident # 13-37763   
Authority:     Lt. Robert Stuesser      

On November 16, 2013 at 6:43 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a two vehicle crash, with injuries, at the intersection of USH 45 and CTH H(east) in the Town of Kewaskum.  Sheriff’s Deputies and personnel from the Kewaskum Police and Fire Departments were subsequently dispatched to the scene.  Shortly after their arrival, West Bend Rescue was also requested to assist at the scene. 

The investigation revealed that an automobile, operated by a 20 year old Sheboygan County man, was southbound on USH 45 attempting to turn eastbound on CTH H.  In the process of turning, the automobile failed to yield the right of way to a northbound pickup truck, operated by a 38 year old City of West Bend man, and was struck.  Each vehicle was also occupied by a front seat passenger.  Both drivers and the passenger of the automobile were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Town of Polk.  Their injuries appear serious, but are not believed to be life threatening.

The northbound lanes of USH 45 and the westbound lane of CTH H were closed in the area of the crash for approximately 65 minutes to facilitate rescue, investigative, and clean-up efforts. 

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, and the accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

 

 


Date:                       November 5, 2013                           
Case:                      Boltonville Mill Pond - 13-36336                 
Authority:              Sgt. Tim Kemps  

On 11/5/13 at around 2:45 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a car submerged in the Boltonville Mill Pond in the Town of Farmington.  The caller was a fisherman who had been at the pond for over an hour.  He was casting from shore and got his line stuck on an object that upon further examination appeared to be a car.  The car was approximately 15 yards off shore completely submerged underwater.

The Sheriff’s Deputies, along with the Washington County Sheriff’s Dive Team responded to the scene.  The vehicle and area were searched by divers and no victims were located.  The vehicle was removed from the Pond.

This case remains under investigation however, it is believed that the car was accidentally driven into the pond sometime in the early morning hours of November 1st where it remained unreported until today.  The driver of the car was able to escape the vehicle and swim to shore safely.  The driver then left the area without reporting the incident to authorities.

 

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DECEMBER

Date:            December 23, 2013
Subject:      13-42202 Structure Fire          
Authority:   Lt. Robert Martin

On December 23, 2013 at 3:26am, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a structure fire in the 8900 block of Highland Drive in the Town of Kewaskum. The property owner called after they were alerted by a passing motorist that an unattached 4-car garage on the property was on fire.

Kewaskum Fire Department was dispatched. They were assisted by units from Boltonville, Campbellsport, Kohlsville and West Bend Fire Departments.     The blaze was quickly extinguished.  Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by the Village of Kewaskum Police Dept. Traffic along Cty Tk H and Highland Drive was restricted while fire crews remained on scene.

Investigation into the cause revealed that the garage had a “chicken coop” attached to it which housed waterfowl. It appears that the fire started in the area of the coop. This part of the structure had electrical service to it and suffered the majority of the fire damage. The exact cause remains under investigation, however it does not appear suspicious in nature. The building was used for storage. An exact amount of property damage was not known at this time. No one was injured and it appeared that the waterfowl inside were able to escape from the enclosure.

 

NOTICE:

 


Date:                       December  5, 2013
Case:                      13-39320 & 13-39442 Burglaries
Authority:               Detective Clausing

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating two residential burglaries which occurred on November 29th and 30th in the Village of Richfield and the Town of Farmington.  Suspects were photographed leaving one of the residences. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify either one of the individuals in the attached photographs.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Clausing at 262-335-4748 or Investigator Klopfenstein at 262-335-6817 or the Washington County Tip Line  at (800)  232-0594.

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