Law enforcement in southeastern Wisconsin are entering day eight of their search for Joseph Jakubowski, the Janesville man suspected of stealing a large number of firearms and threatening an attack. By last night, officials reported having pursued about 400 leads, with more than 100 still open.
Joseph Jakubowski. Rock County Sheriff’s Office
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that more federal resources have been brought in from around the country to search for Jakubowski, but officials provided few details.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
Jakubowski’s estranged stepfather is desperate for the fugitive to surrender.
Don McLean repeatedly pleaded in an interview with The Associated Press Tuesday for Jakubowski to give himself up, saying he and his mother “would rather have him alive.”
Authorities suspect the 32-year-old of stealing handguns and rifles from Armageddon Gun Shop in Janesville last week, and making threats to schools and public officials.
State Sen. Van Wanggaard, chair of the Senate judiciary and public safety committee, told WPR Tuesday that he applauds the safety measures taken by the Janesville gun shop.
“I think it’s important to understand too that this one individual when he decided to do this apparently was identified right away because of the things that were in place by the business that was actually selling those firearms,” Wanggaard said.
Wanggaard said he is hopeful that officials will find Jakubowski.
“We have some pretty good law enforcement people that are working on it, so I’m confident we’re gonna get him,” he said.
Wisconsin Public Radio, @ Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
