Sheriff Dale McCullick Reports,
On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Crawford County Communications Center received a report of a suspect, armed with a knife, taking merchandise from the Wal-Mart Supercenter in the Township of Bridgeport.
While closed for business, the suspect wore a face mask and forcefully entered Wal-Mart while possessing a knife. The suspect proceeded to load merchandise into a shopping cart until confronted by a contractor. The suspect brandished the knife at the contractor and then fled from the store with merchandise. The suspect fled into thick vegetation and swampy terrain where the shopping cart and some merchandise was abandoned.
Law enforcement personnel canvassed the area and utilized a drone and K9 units to attempt to locate the suspect. The suspect was not located at that time; however, several pieces of evidence and stolen merchandise were recovered. In addition, the vehicle used by the suspect was located near the store. Based on the investigation, the suspect was identified as Edward Strand Jr. (37) of Lynxville, Wisconsin.
On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Strand was located at the Buckhorn Grill and Pub in the City of Prairie du Chien. Upon observing officers, Strand armed himself with a knife and exited through a rear door. Strand was given verbal commands by officers to drop the knife and he surrendered. Strand was taken into custody and transported to the Crawford County Jail.
Strand was charged with robbery, burglary, retail theft (Exceeding $500), possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, threats to law enforcement, bail jumping-misdemeanor, and bail jumping-felony.
Assisting with this investigation was the Prairie du Chien Police Department.