[Township of Peru – DUNN COUNTY, WI] On November 1, 2026, at approximately 6:07 p.m., the Dunn County Emergency Communications Center received an automated crash detection notification from an iPhone, followed by a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle fire. The crash occurred on State Highway 85 near the intersection of 760th Street in the Township of Peru, located in southern Dunn County. The Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Dunn County First Responders, Durand Fire Department, and Durand Ambulance Service responded to the scene. The Pepin County Sheriff's Office also assisted. According to the preliminary investigation, a vehicle traveling eastbound on State Highway 85 failed to negotiate a curve, entered the ditch, and became airborne for approximately 135 feet before overturning in a nearby field. The vehicle caught fire almost immediately following the crash and quickly became engulfed in flames. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and was assisted to safety by a passing motorist who stopped after coming upon the crash scene. The driver, a 42-year-old woman from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was cited for Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) and Failure to Maintain Control of a Vehicle.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Dunn County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of power lines down in the roadway on 708th Avenue in Menomonie (Cedar Falls), Township of Red Cedar. Upon arrival, deputies found that a vehicle appeared to have struck the power pole, a street sign, and utility box. The damaged pole was severed, leaning into the roadway and there were lines down across the roadway into a neighboring yard. The vehicle was able to exit the ditch and flee the scene prior to law enforcement being called. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Dunn County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 715-232-1348, or click contact us. Reference call number CFS2632512.

On Friday, October 9, 2026 around 3:47 AM, a Dunn County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on Interstate 94 near Menomonie. The vehicle rapidly accelerated and continued to drive recklessly, reaching speeds of up to 130 MPH. The Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) assisted and successfully deployed a tire-deflation device in Eau Claire County. The vehicle ran off the highway into the median after the tire-deflation device was deployed. Dunn deputies apprehended one passenger and began to search for four additional occupants who fled from the vehicle on foot. The Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, and Wisconsin State Patrol assisted at the scene and perimeter. A Dunn County Sheriff's Deputy drone operator deployed a FLIR drone and located all four suspects hiding on an embankment along the freeway. Additional deputies and troopers moved toward the suspects and apprehended them. All four suspects were transported to the Dunn County Jail. The vehicle was believed to be rented fraudulently and was not returned on the due date. Dunn County Sheriff's Investigators were able to identify the operator who was charged with Felony Flee/Elude Officer and Obstructing an Officer. The other three suspects that fled on foot were all charged with Resist/Obstruct an Officer. The occupants were identified as: Elijah Parker, 25 year-old male from Pompano Beach, Florida (Operator) Jakivis Baldwin, 18 year-old male from North Lauderdale, Florida (Passenger) Fedly Alfred, 18 year-old male from Delray Beach, Florida (Passenger) Fedlin Alfred, 18 year-old male from Delray Beach, Florida (Passenger) There was one additional passenger that did not flee from the vehicle and was not arrested. The case remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff's Office Investigations Unit.

On October 11, 2026, a Dunn County Sheriff's Sergeant attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle accelerated to speeds of up to 109 MPH, eventually driving into the front yard of a residence on 770th Avenue in the Township of Colfax. The operator was apprehended by deputies in the front yard without further incident. The operator was identified as 36 year-old Brent Mcnabb of Colfax, WI. He was arrested and transported to the Dunn County Jail for the following offenses: Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer Speed in Excess (45+ MPH over the limit) Resisting/Obstructing an Officer Possession of Methamphetamine Operate Left of Center Operate Without Valid Driver's License (2nd+ Offense) Non-Registration of Auto Probation Hold There was one passenger in the vehicle that was identified as 42 year-old Dezra Tanner of Colfax, WI. She was arrested and transported to the Dunn County Jail for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine Probation Hold The criminal charges were referred to the Dunn County District Attorney's Office.

On September 29, 2026, at approximately 6:36 AM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle crash with injury. The crash occurred on Highway 12/29, just east of 765th Street in the Township of Elk Mound, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Colfax Ambulance, Elk Mound Fire Department, and Menomonie Fire Department responded to the incident location. Upon arrival, Deputies located two crashed vehicles in the lane of traffic. One male operator, who was the only occupant and was operating a Chevrolet Silverado, had minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The second male, who was the only occupant and was operating a Ford Escape, was still located in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male operator of the Ford Escape was 55 years old from Menomonie, Wisconsin. Preliminary investigation showed the Ford Escape was traveling eastbound on Highway 12/29, when the operator crossed the center line and struck the westbound Chevrolet Silverado. The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office. The name of the driver is being withheld pending family notifications. Sheriff Kevin Byg

On Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 at about 12:10 PM the Dunn County Communication Center received a call of a plane that had crashed in the area of Boundary Rd. North of Sth 170, Hay River Township, Dunn County. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn County First Responders, Boyceville Fire Department, Glenwood City Ambulance, Menomonie Fire and Ambulance, and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the scene. There were two occupants in the plane when it crashed. The 36 year old female pilot, of Sioux Falls, SD and 51 year old male passenger, of Marshfield, WI were transported to the hospital with injuries sustained in the crash. Preliminary investigation indicates the plane had just taken off from the Boyceville Municipal Airport prior to the crash. The airplane has been removed from the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration – Aviation Safety Division and the National Transportation Safety Board.

MEDIA RELEASE DATE OF RELEASE: June 26, 2026 INCIDENT #: D26-00961 SUBJECT: Motorcycle Traffic Crash – Fatality AUTHORIZED BY: Sheriff Kevin Bygd FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- On June 26, 2026, at approximately 4:43 PM, the Dunn County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a motorcycle vs. semi crash with injury. The crash occurred in the N14000 block of County Road K in the Township of New Haven, in Northwestern Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Boyceville Ambulance, Boyceville Fire Department, Menomonie Fire Department, Dunn County First Responders, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Life Link responded to the incident location. Upon arrival, first responders and deputies located a crashed motorcycle and a male lying in the roadway. The male, who was the only occupant, was not wearing a helmet. The male was flown to Regions Hospital in the State of Minnesota. Later, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the driver had passed away. The male operator was 51 years old. None of the occupants in the semi unit were injured. Preliminary investigation showed the motorcycle was traveling southbound on County Road K. The semi unit was traveling northbound on County Road K. The crash occurred while the operators were negotiating a curve in the roadway. The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office – State of Minnesota. The name of the motorcycle driver is being withheld pending family notifications. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

DATE OF RELEASE: 05/02/2026 INCIDENT #: SUBJECT: Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bail Bond Calls AUTHORIZED BY: Sheriff Kevin Bygd FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware of an ongoing scam involving individuals impersonating bail bond agents and contacting family members of those arrested and/or incarcerated. The individuals request money to cover bail and sometimes offer an “ankle monitor” program. This is not a legitimate process. Neither Bond Agents nor the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will ever contact families directly and request money for an ankle monitor or bail. These scams appear to be circulating throughout the country within recent weeks, but we also have seen them occur locally, in Dunn County. Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more common. We’ve had individuals come in after sending money, believing their loved one would be released from custody — only to find out they had been scammed. If you receive a suspicious call: - DO NOT send money. - Do not provide additional personal information, even if the caller seems to have your name, birthdate, or phone number. - Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire if it is a legitimate call or not. - Remember that local jails will only accept bond payment directly, not through any of the electronic means listed below. Often, scammers will attempt the following: - They will try and keep you on the phone until you send the money. They don’t want you to be able to contact your local jail or law enforcement agency to inquire about the call. - They will attempt to have you transfer money electronically through the purchase of prepaid cards or system such as MoneyPak, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, Paypal, and many others. Please be vigilant and contact us with any concerns before sending money for bail bond, ankle monitors, or any other purpose. These scammers know exactly when to strike, such as moments of weakness, when defenses are down. You should also be mindful of companies that reach out to you, and never send money to an unknown source. If you think you are on the receiving end of a scam, you can report suspicious activity to the FBI at IC3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also call the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at (715)232-1348 or visit www.DunnCountySheriff.com for more information. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason Bloedow, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced on April 8, 2026, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution. Bloedow pleaded guilty to this charge on January 8, 2026. In March and early April 2025, Bloedow sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On April 24, 2025, officers stopped and arrested Bloedow on his way back to Wisconsin after he traveled to Minnesota to pick up methamphetamine. When officers searched Bloedow’s car, they found a box containing approximately 881 grams (or roughly two pounds) of methamphetamine. Bloedow later admitted to selling approximately 28 pounds of methamphetamine and making $48,000 in profit in just a three-month period. At sentencing, Judge Conley emphasized Bloedow’s long criminal history, noting Bloedow’s criminal conduct had continued to escalate despite his age. In arriving at a 10-year sentence, Judge Conley focused on Bloedow’s increase in the amount of methamphetamine he trafficked. The charge against Bloedow was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Dunn County and Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington prosecuted this case. Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

On April 13, 2026, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office received information that a vehicle was speeding on Westbound Interstate 94 at speeds up to 140 MPH after a Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) attempted to stop the vehicle for speeding in Jackson County.  The vehicle fled from the WSP Trooper when the Trooper attempted to stop and pursuit was terminated due to high speed.   Local Law Enforcement and/or WSP Troopers observed the suspect vehicle continuing to drive at speeds more than 100 MPH - and reaching speeds of 140 MPH at times - even when not actively being pursued by law enforcement.  This reckless driving behavior continued through Jackson, Trempealeau, and Eau Claire Counties on Interstate 94.   Due to the blatant disregard for the speed limit and utter disregard for the safety of the motoring public, Dunn County Sheriffs’ deputies deployed tire-deflation devices (TDD) on Interstate 94 in Eastern Dunn County.  Another Dunn County deputy observed the vehicle enter Dunn County and clocked its speed over 120 MPH, passing other motorists and changing lanes.   A Dunn County deputy attempted to stop the vehicle again and then other deputies were able to immediately deploy TDD near Elk Mound on Interstate 94. The suspect vehicle continued to drive at speeds over 100 MPH.  Another Dunn County deputy and a WSP Trooper successfully deployed an additional set of TDD in the Town of Red Cedar on Interstate 94.  The suspect vehicle began to slow but continued to attempt to speed away.   Near mile marker 46 westbound, the suspect vehicle lost control and collided with another vehicle traveling on the Interstate, causing both vehicles to enter into the ditch.  Deputies and WSP Troopers arrived at the scene moments later and rendered medical aid to those involved.  Dunn County deputies immediately apprehended the suspect (operator) of the fleeing vehicle.   The operator was identified as 24 Year-Old Hussain Imam of Skokie, Illinois.  Imam received medical treatment and was then transported and held at the Dunn County Jail, pending a bond appearance.  The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will be referring charges for the following:   -        1 st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety -        Operator Flee/Elude Traffic Officer -        Reckless Driving Causing Injury (3 Counts) -        Possess with Intent to Deliver THC <=200 grams -        Possession of Firearm Enhancer   The innocent motorist that was struck was occupied by a 50 year-old female and a 10-year old female from Minnesota who were transported to an area hospital for non life-threatening injuries.   The suspect vehicle also had one passenger, a 27 year-old female from Fort Myers, Florida, who was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for non life-threatening injuries.   The crash and case remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.  The Menomonie Fire Department and Menomonie Police Department assisted at the scene.     Sheriff Kevin Bygd

On April 12, 2026 at 6:49 PM, the Dunn County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of a female reporting an active domestic violence situation on 1130 th  Avenue, Boyceville, in the Township of Hay River.   During response to the scene, deputies learned the male suspect physically assaulted a female inside a residence and then went outside, eventually entering a camper on the property.  The male suspect secured the camper door and refused to exit when deputies arrived, waving a crowbar and threatening officers.   After lengthy negotiation and continued non-compliance, deputies used bean-bag less-lethal rounds to penetrate the RV windows and then deployed non-lethal PepperBall projectiles into the RV, attempting to motivate the suspect to exit and surrender.   Deputies breached the front door of the camper and after deploying additional rounds of non-lethal PepperBall projectiles, the suspect surrendered to deputies and exited without further incident.  The suspect was checked by EMS at the scene prior to transport to the Dunn County Jail.  The suspect was uninjured and no officers were injured in the incident.   The suspect was identified as 59 year-old Dennis Mittelstadt of Boyceville, Wisconsin.  He was arrested and transported to the Dunn County Jail.  Mittelstadt was charged with the following:   -        False Imprisonment (Domestic Related) -        Disorderly Conduct (Domestic Related) -        Threat to Cause Bodily Harm to Officer -        Felony Bail Jumping   Mittelstadt is currently being held at the Dunn County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.   PepperBall Projectiles reduce risk of injuries and fatalities during encounters with law enforcement.  By providing time and distance, PepperBall allows deputies to address situations from a safer range, reducing the likelihood of physical confrontation and escalated levels of force.  With an emphasis on de-escalation and gaining compliance, PepperBall was built to provide maximum effectiveness and change suspect behavior.     Sheriff Kevin Bygd