Partnership highlights crimes along state highway

On Sept. 21, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department issued an alert through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network to develop leads in the investigation of an armed robbery that occurred Sept. 1 in the town of Theresa.

Through the WCAN’s new partnership with the Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin, the alert was posted to billboards in the area of the incident.

Last month, members of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin agreed to post selected alerts on some of their 99 digital billboards throughout the state. The alerts chosen will be targeted for specific billboards based upon their location.

“The Crime Alert Network depends on the participation of both law enforcement and those in the private sector,” Attorney General Van Hollen said. “I’m grateful to the Outdoor Advertising Association and its members for their assistance with this law enforcement effort.”

In the robbery, 14 victims, including a four-year-old, were restrained by several armed men inside a residence. Some victims were injured and bound by the suspects, according to the alert.

“The Crime Alert Network is of great value and through the cooperative efforts of the Attorney General and the private sector we are able to provide critical information to the public as well as solicit information which will aid in our investigation,” Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls said.

The suspects took off in a late model black SUV. Investigators believe the suspects are of Mexican or Puerto Rican descent. Please see the sketches of the suspects at the links below. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department at 920-386-3726.

With the network, law enforcement officers issue alerts at no cost to them either by fax, e-mail or text message to individuals and business owners, who may enroll online to receive alerts at a cost of $12 a year. Thousands of officers across Wisconsin have been trained to use the alert network.

To enroll or to learn more about WCAN, visit www.wisconsincrimealert.gov.

Tags: news, courts, crime, travel