Last evening, September 14, at about 8:06 PM the Dunn County E911 Center received a call from an employee at a local implement dealer in the town of Red Cedar. That employee was working late, but observed a pickup truck pulling an enclosed trailer pull into the business lot. That employee watched two male subjects drive two pieces of equipment into the enclosed trailer. While they were doing so, he called 911.

Dunn County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to that location and were given the information via radio as the dispatchers were given more information from the caller. Just prior to the first officer arrivnig at the scene, the caller advised that the suspects were closing the rear door of the trailer.

When the first officer arrived at the implement dealer's property, the suspects drove out of the driveway and turned north on to 610th Street. The vehicle crossed USH 12 and continued north into Tainter Township. When the suspect reached a location about 1/4 mile north of the Tainter Town Hall, the vehicle pulled over quickly to the side of the road. One suspect was taken into custody at that location, and told officers the other suspect had ran through the woods to the east of Cty Rd D, headnig toward upper Lake Tainter.

Officers from the Dunn County Sheriff's Office were joined by Troopers from the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Menomonie Police Department. The Sheriff's Office K-9 was brought in as well as night vision equipment in an attempt to locate the second vehicle. He was tracked to a location along STH 25 and it is believed he was picke dup by someone in a vehicle.

At this time no further information is being released because there is importatnt follow up to be done to establish facts about the case. I will do a follow up news release if more information is confirmed and becomes available. A 1:15 PM bond hearing is likely for the suspect in custody.

I want to thank the Menomonie Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol for their quick response and for worknig so cooperatively with the Dunn County Sheriff's Office. I also want to thank Channel 13 and 18 for notifying the public of this event during the 10:00 news.

Also, the second suspect has been identified and a second arrest is expected.

Sheriff Dennis Smith
Dunn County, Wisconsin