Stolen Vehicle Recovered/Arrest Made
The Cottage Grove Police Department arrested a 15 year old Madison male on Sunday, November 13th, 2016, for being in possession and operation of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was observed at approximately 11:34 pm by a Cottage Grove police officer K9 unit in Cottage Grove with the 15 year old driving the known stolen auto. This same auto was stolen from Madison and recovered in Cottage Grove last week. It was subsequently stolen again when officers noticed it being operated in Cottage Grove. The police officer attempted to pull the vehicle over when it fled from the officer and shortly thereafter crashed into a field in the Town of Cottage Grove. The K9 officer released his dog when the subject fled from the crash after refusing commands to stop. The police dog was recalled when the subject stopped and complied with orders shortly thereafter and was taken into custody.
Officers recovered a pellet gun from the auto that closely resembled a real firearm, and a .22 caliber ammunition magazine with bullets. A stolen .380 Ruger handgun was not recovered from the vehicle which had been taken during the previous theft of vehicle., The teenage boy is currently in custody at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center with charges being sought for Operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent”, Felony fleeing, 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, and resisting/obstructing an officer, along with 4 traffic citations.
If you have any additional information concerning the theft of vehicle and handgun please contact the Cottage Grove Police Department through Dane County 911 dispatch at 608-255-2345. Tips can also be sent to Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or through the website with tipsters eligible for receiving cash rewards while remaining anonymous.
Daniel Layber, Chief of Police
Village of Cottage Grove Police Department
608-751-5718 (cell)