Armed Fugitive Arrested by U.S. Marshals Task Force

La Crosse, WI – Members of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force captured a fugitive Feb. 16 near the 800 block of Cass Street.

Jerel Jenkins, 28, was wanted on a federal warrant for felon in possession of a firearm as well as several other local warrants for larceny, narcotics possession, resisting and obstruction, and more.

That morning, the GLRFTF developed information for a residence where Jenkins was believed to be located. After setting up surveillance, task force members observed Jenkins exiting the residence and getting into a vehicle.

Law enforcement officers blocked and pinned the vehicle, yet Jenkins continuously attempted to break free, ramming his vehicle into squad cars, a dumpster, and the deck of the residence. 

After several failed escape attempts and disregard for police commands, Jenkins was successfully removed from his vehicle and secured in handcuffs.

Inside of Jenkins’ vehicle, officers located two long guns, a large quantity of shotgun shells, a bullet proof/tactical vest, a spotting scope and a police style radio. All items found were taken into evidence by the La Crosse Police Department. 

After receiving medical clearance from a local hospital, Jenkins was transported to Madison, where he was booked into the Dane County Jail. Jenkins was arraigned in federal court today.

The U.S. Marshals Service’s Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in this arrest was composed of deputies from both Wisconsin and Minnesota; as well as officers from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Corrections; Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Houston County Sheriff’s Office; La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office; La Crosse Police Department; Onalaska Police Department, and more.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. 

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips.