Oshkosh, Wis. – In a coordinated effort between the Oshkosh Police Department and the Neenah Police Department, three juvenile males have been taken into custody on suspicion of stealing loaded handguns from vehicles parked in the Fox Valley.
Investigation and arrests
Police investigations began after two separate theft‑from‑vehicle reports were filed. On Oct. 9, a resident of Oshkosh reported that a loaded handgun was taken from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of West 9th Avenue. A second report came in early November when another Oshkosh resident said a loaded handgun was stolen from a car in the 2100 block of Fairview Street.
Detectives from Oshkosh’s Criminal Investigation Division, together with Neenah officers, obtained a search warrant for a residence in Neenah linked to the investigations. The warrant was executed on a Wednesday, resulting in the apprehension of the following individuals:
- A 15‑year‑old boy from Neenah was stopped during a traffic stop in Hortonville and arrested on a theft‑of‑firearm charge. He was placed in the county’s Shelter Care program.
- Two 13‑year‑old boys from Appleton were located in Appleton. During contact with the youths, officers recovered the two handguns reported stolen from Oshkosh. Formal charges are pending while the investigation continues.
Police safety recommendations
Law enforcement officials emphasized that preventing vehicle break‑ins is a shared responsibility. They urged residents to remove all valuables, including firearms, from the interior of their cars. Specific steps include:
- Always lock doors and close windows completely.
- Avoid leaving purses, wallets, electronics, keys, or firearms in plain view.
- If a firearm must be transported, secure it in a locked container and never leave it unattended in an unlocked vehicle.
“Juvenile theft of firearms poses a serious risk to public safety,” said a spokesperson for the Oshkosh Police Department. “By taking simple precautions, we can reduce crimes of opportunity and keep our community safe.”
Community impact
The arrests have sparked concern among parents and community leaders who fear that easy access to weapons could lead to tragic outcomes. Local schools and faith‑based groups are already planning outreach programs to educate families about responsible gun storage and the importance of supervising children’s activities.
While the investigation remains ongoing, police continue to encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Oshkosh Police Department’s tip line.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
