Arrests have been made in connection to a string of recent thefts. Below are details from the Lake Hallie Police Department:
On September 21, 2024, at 1: 22a.m, a Lake Hallie Police Officer responded to an address in 13600 block of 43rd Avenue, for a vehicle theft that occurred approximately half hour prior. The officer noticed a set of tire tracks leading from the driveway to the west side of the residence going through several yards heading toward 42nd Ave. The officer located the stolen vehicle in front of a driveway in the 13600 block of 42nd Ave. The vehicle was unoccupied and the front and side air bags were deployed. While the officer was leaving the prior address, he noticed a vehicle with the door open and dome light on in another driveway and confirmed with the owner that nothing was taken from the vehicle.
As the officer continued westbound on 43rd Ave., he noticed a vehicle southbound on 132nd St. approaching the stop sign at 132nd St. and 43rd Ave. The vehicle stopped then started then stopped again. The vehicle then made a right turn onto 43rd Ave. and continued westbound at a slow rate of speed then turned right on 131st St. still driving at a slow speed. Due to the prior stolen vehicle and the suspicious actions of the driver, the officer activated his emergency lights to stop the vehicle. The vehicle sped up and then struck a parked vehicle at the address in the 4300 block of 131st St. The officer attempted to box the vehicle in to avoid it from fleeing. The vehicle side swiped the patrol vehicle and both vehicles went into the ditch. The officer exited his squad and ordered the driver, a 16-year-old juvenile male, to exit the vehicle after multiple commands but he refused. The officer was able to remove the juvenile male from vehicle and take him into custody. As the officer was assisting the juvenile male from the ground, he noticed a handgun underneath him lying on the ground. The firearm had one bullet in the chamber and several in the magazine which was later reported stolen. The officer confirmed the vehicle involved was stolen from a residence.
The juvenile was charged with the following charges: two counts of Operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent; Recklessly endangering safety; Criminal damage to property; OWI 1st offense; Possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18; Endangering safety by use of dangerous weapon while intoxicated. Charges for the stolen firearm are pending. The juvenile male was currently on electronic monitoring from previous arrests (see Lake Hallie Police Department Press Release dated: August 15, 2024) and transported to a juvenile detention facility until his court appearance.
The Lake Hallie Police Department reminds the public to make sure their vehicles are locked, and keys are not in the vehicle when left unattended. If you see suspicious activity and want to report it, you may contact the Lake Hallie Police Department directly or you may report it to the Chippewa County Crime Stoppers at 715-944-3949 or download the P3 Tips App.
