A video captured the moment two sheriff canines chased down and bit an Antioch man, who was considered armed and dangerous, after he was wanted for a shooting and led police on a vehicle chase in Wisconsin.
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 shooting.
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.
While Kenosha County officials said one shot was fired, Racine County officials said at least two shots were fired at the home, which belonged to his girlfriend’s sister.
Deputies located Wenzel’s abandoned truck in the Center Lake Woods subdivision around 6 a.m. Monday.
Wenzel was considered armed and dangerous and the public was urged not to approach him as the sheriff announced a manhunt search for him.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office notified the Racine County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday morning that they had developed information that Wenzel was likely at the Esmond Motel in Union Grove.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office saturated the area with patrol deputies and additional law enforcement personnel, including activation of the SWAT Team.
Deputies observed a vehicle associated with Wenzel leave the parking lot while surveilling the parking lot.
Deputies later conducted a high-risk traffic stop in the parking lot of Athletico Physical Therapy in Union Grove, the sheriff’s office said.
Wenzel suddenly re-entered the vehicle while his girlfriend exited.
He then drove over a large curb and fled the scene, leaving his girlfriend standing in the parking lot.
Deputies were able to locate Wenzel at the intersection of 58th Road and 67th Drive in Union Grove.
A pursuit ensued northbound on 67th Drive and westbound on Spring Street/Highway C, reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph, the sheriff’s office said.
Wenzel’s front driver’s side tire began to shred — likely the result of damage sustained when he jumped the curb while fleeing the initial stop.
Sheriff’s officials said Wenzel drove into a muddy farm field across from the Ellsworth Correctional Center and attempted to flee on foot.
Deputies released Canine Simba and Canine Cain, who successfully apprehended Wenzel.
Deputies took Wenzel into custody as the two canines secured his arm and leg.
Wenzel was transported to the hospital for injuries suffered while being apprehended and later transferred to the Kenosha County Jail on Thursday to face charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon, bail jumping, discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a building and disorderly conduct.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office said they will additionally be submitting charges to the Racine County District Attorney’s Office for fleeing and eluding and obstructing.
“I could not be more proud of the extraordinary professionalism displayed by the deputies and their K9 partners during the course of this entire investigation,” Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said.
“Their courage, discipline, and preparedness brought a dangerous felon into custody without further threat to the public. The seamless cooperation between the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and the Racine County Sheriff’s Office reflects the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” Schmaling said.
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.