A Windsor man has been arrested after an incident involving two juveniles, according to a statement from the Town of Windsor Police Department. On Friday afternoon, deputies responded to a call at Lakewood Hills, where two young individuals were reported to be fishing in a private community pond. Manfred “Fred” Ortmann, a resident of the area, confronted the youths, demanding they leave since the area was marked for trespassing.
After being pursued by Ortmann in his blue Ford F150, which came within a menacingly close five feet, the juveniles managed to escape through the pedestrian entrance of the exit gate. Being chased behind Anytime Fitness on their bicycle and push scooter, the terrified youngsters attempted to distance themselves from the assailant. Per a Facebook post by the Windsor Police, Ortmann continued the pursuit at a high rate of speed, escalating the situation dangerously.
One juvenile eventually abandoned his scooter, deciding to run as Ortmann nearly was upon him. The chase led the youth through the parking lot of Racks-N-Cues and into a business where they sought refuge, and 911 was called. Ortmann, losing track of his quarry, decided to steal and later vandalize the scooter of one of the juveniles before discarding it back at the scene.
The juveniles were unharmed physically, but the traumatic chase culminated in serious charges for Ortmann. Returning home with the stolen scooter, he committed an act of vandalism before throwing the scooter back into the bushes at Lakewood Hills. Sergeant Jason Little confirmed that Ortmann was arrested and booked at the Sonoma County Jail. He faces a felony assault with a deadly weapon, not a firearm, petty theft, and vandalism, with bail set at $30,000.
The case, documented under No. WI240802-004 and further reports or updates on the charges and Ortmann's legal proceedings have yet to be disclosed.
