May 14, 2017 – Washington Co., WI – Reposting a story from earlier this month that carries an important message as we head into summer – LOCK. YOUR. VEHICLE.
Over the weekend the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began taking multiple reports of entries to motor vehicles in the Village of Richfield. The thefts occurred on Stonegate Pass, Linda Drive, Rosie Court., Upper and Lower Woodland Drive and Red Fox Circle.
Local law enforcement believes the above mentioned incidents are related to a stolen vehicle complaint that occurred in the 4200 block of Lamplighter Lane in the Village of Richfield on Thursday, May 4 at 5:55 p.m. A gold minivan, which was later determined to be stolen from the city of Milwaukee, was seen in the area of Lamplighter Lane during the theft of the victim’s car in Richfield.
A homeowner entered her attached garage from the house and observed two black males, about 20 years of age wearing sunglasses committing a burglary in her garage. She observed the individuals get into her car and back it out of the garage and flee the area. A canvas of the area determined the gold minivan and the victim’s vehicle, a gray 2008 Honda Accord, left the area together. The gold minivan was also occupied by two younger male blacks.
On Saturday, May 6 at about 8:42 a.m. a resident in the 500 block of Stonegate Pass contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office reporting he saw a dark colored smaller sedan leaving his driveway at about 8 a.m. and realized several items from his car parked in his driveway, were stolen.
Later that morning, a deputy observes a gray Honda Accord with temporary license plates on it westbound on Willow Creek in the Village of Germantown at about 10:45 a.m. The vehicle is occupied by two younger male blacks. The deputy attempts to stop the suspect vehicle at which time it fled the area at speeds well over 100 mph southbound on I41. The deputy terminated the pursuit just into Milwaukee County out of safety concerns.
The stolen gold minivan has been recovered in the City of Milwaukee but the Honda Accord remains missing.
Neighbors in Washington County are encouraged to minimize crimes of opportunity by keeping vehicles and buildings locked. We also encourage you to contact local law enforcement if you see any suspicious activity.
Assist PD/Stolen vehicle:
The City of Fond du Lac Police contacted our office on Thursday, May 4 at 1:56 a.m. reporting they received a tip via social media that a stolen vehicle from Fond du Lac was abandoned on I41 north of Cty Tk D in the Town of Wayne. It was reported that a delivery driver left his vehicle running while delivering a pizza when 2 males took his vehicle.
Upon the deputies arrival, two vehicles on scene. The only occupant, a 37-year-old Village on Newburg man, was briefly detained while both vehicles were cleared. It was learned that Newburg man observed a Facebook post stating that the vehicle was stolen and coincidentally found it on the side of I41 while on his way home to Newburg from Fond du Lac.
The Newburg man then contacted the person who posted the story on Facebook. That person then contacted their local law enforcement and advised us of the found vehicle and somewhere along the line the owner of the vehicle was also notified.
The owner arrived on scene before Fond du Lac Police. During the conversation with Fond du Lac investigators, it was also learned that Fond du Lac PD had become involved in a pursuit with the vehicle before it left their jurisdiction. After speaking with the owner the vehicle likely ran out of gas.
Deputies were not able to locate the suspects on foot.