An Antioch man who was considered armed and dangerous and wanted for shooting into a home in Kenosha County was captured Tuesday following a high-speed chase and crash.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:43 p.m. Sunday to the 10400 block of 268th Avenue in Trevor, Wisconsin, for a report of shots fired.
The caller, a female resident, reported that Jake Wenzel, 29, of Antioch, had fired a round into her home, according to Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Chase Forster.
Deputies learned that an altercation between Wenzel and the victim had occurred prior to the incident. A gunshot was heard in the area prior to law enforcement arriving.
Forster said the victim returned home shortly after and parked in the driveway.
She ran into the residence through a rear entrance and Wenzel arrived moments later in a 2024 silver Dodge Ram pickup.
He exited the truck and approached the victim’s vehicle while armed with a handgun, Forster said.
Forster said Wenzel pointed the firearm at the vehicle and yelled for the victim to exit.
The victim’s sister, who is the homeowner, was outside and ordered Wenzel to leave.
Wenzel turned toward the residence and fired a round into the home before fleeing the scene in his Dodge, Forster said.
Deputies located Wenzel’s abandoned truck in the Center Lake Woods subdivision around 6 a.m. Monday.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau responded to the scene and was actively pursuing multiple leads.
Wenzel has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute amphetamines and party to a crime – felony attempted theft.
He was out on a $7,500 bond for felony terrorist threats at the time of the shooting. Forster said Wenzel additionally has active felony warrants for his arrest.
Wenzel was considered armed and dangerous and the public was urged not to approach him.
“Our deputies and detectives are using every available resource to locate Jake Wenzel and bring him into custody. Acts of violence like this will never be tolerated in Kenosha County. The safety of our residents remains our highest priority, and we will continue to work around the clock until this individual is apprehended,” Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner said Monday.
“We ask the community to remain alert and to report any information that may assist in this investigation. Together, we will ensure that those who threaten the peace and security of our neighborhoods are held accountable,” Zoerner said.
In an update on Tuesday, officials said Racine County sheriff’s deputies took Wenzel into custody around 10:48 a.m. Tuesday following a vehicle and foot pursuit.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip indicating that Wenzel was at the Esmond Motel in Union Grove.
Deputies responded to the area and observed Wenzel and the victim enter a silver vehicle.
Deputies initiated a traffic stop and the victim exited the vehicle. Wenzel moved into the driver’s seat and fled at a high rate of speed, sheriff’s officials said.
Deputies pursued the vehicle until Wenzel lost control, crashed into a tree and fled on foot.
A foot pursuit began and was supported by two Racine County Sheriff’s Office canine teams.
Wenzel was taken into custody a short time later without further incident. No charges have been announced yet.