A Sunday night confrontation in Trevor has turned into a full-blown manhunt, as Kenosha County deputies search for 29-year-old Jake Wenzel of Antioch, who investigators say fired a shot into a home before taking off. Authorities have labeled him armed and dangerous and are urging residents to stay away and call police instead of trying to intervene. His pickup truck was later found abandoned in a nearby subdivision.
What investigators say
According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Wenzel allegedly tailed a person to the 10400 block of 268th Avenue in the Village of Trevor, pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the person’s vehicle, and ordered them to get out. When the homeowner stepped in, investigators say Wenzel turned toward the house and fired a single round into the residence, as reported by TMJ4. That account was shared with local media as deputies launched an overnight search for the suspect.
Vehicle found; prior record
Deputies later located what they say was Wenzel’s 2024 silver Dodge Ram pickup, abandoned in the Center Lake Woods subdivision around 6 a.m. Monday, according to WTMJ. Officials told reporters Wenzel has prior convictions that include being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute amphetamines and felony attempted theft. He also currently has active felony warrants and a $7,500 cash bond in a separate felony terrorist-threats case.
County warns residents
"Our deputies and detectives are using every available resource to locate Jake Wenzel and bring him into custody," Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner said, according to FOX6 Milwaukee. Authorities are stressing that Wenzel should not be approached under any circumstances and are asking anyone who spots him or has information about his movements to contact law enforcement immediately.
Background
Wenzel was already on local law enforcement’s radar months before the Trevor incident. In June, he was accused of making terrorist threats after allegedly sending Snapchat messages saying he planned to "spray down" a Salem Lakes bar, a case that, along with the bond amount, was detailed by local outlet Kenosha County Eye. Officials and local reporting have pointed to that earlier allegation in explaining why Wenzel is considered particularly dangerous now.
How to share tips
Anyone with information on Wenzel’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office or Kenosha County Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333, as highlighted by Lake and McHenry County Scanner. Residents are again being warned not to approach the suspect and to call authorities if they see anything suspicious.
