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County Executive's Office

Shots Fired in Cross Plains Burglary

August 20, 2020
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

At approximately 2:14 a.m., Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Lewis Street in the Village of Cross Plains, after the homeowner awoke to find three unidentified individuals in the garage. The thieves opened the garage door with a garage door opener that they found in an unlocked vehicle. The homeowner confronted the suspects, who fled on foot to a black Toyota Highlander and left the area. That vehicle is currently listed as stolen from the town of Middleton earlier this week.

As the suspects were fleeing, the homeowner fired one shot in the air with a handgun. The suspects returned fire. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit is processing the scene of the burglary and the total number of shots fired is still under investigation. Area law enforcement are continuing to search for the stolen Toyota Highlander, with WI Plate 242 WMG. It was last seen in Fitchburg after the burglary, where the suspects again fled from Fitchburg Police when they attempted to stop the vehicle.

The Cross Plains Police Department received several reports this morning of car break-ins overnight, which may be related to this incident. If you live in Cross Plains and believe your car was entered overnight and have not reported it, please contact the Cross Plains Police Department. Cross Plains Police will assist the Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all residents, no matter where you live, to secure vehicles, garages and homes. The suspects involved in these persistent car thefts and break-ins should be considered armed and dangerous. Your best defense is to secure your property at all times! Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Dane County tip line at (608) 284-6900. If you see the black Toyota Highlander, WI plate 242 WMG, please call 911. Do not approach the vehicle or attempt to follow it.

***UPDATE***

August 19, 2020 – The stolen Toyota Highlander has been located. Fitchburg Police have two individuals in custody that are believed to be connected to the stolen vehicle.

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