Incident Date: 11/22/22
Release Date: 11/23/22
Incident number: FP22-21575/FP22-18649
Prepared By: Lt. Edward Hartwick
Around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, Fitchburg officers responded to the Nevin Springs Fish and Wildlife Area after receiving several reports of gunshots fired from the area. When officers arrived, they located three individuals in Nevin Springs. Officers determined at least one of the individuals had recently been using a handgun for target practice there. One individual was arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail on a tentative charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
Additional evidence, including another firearm, was collected as part of this investigation to indicate preliminarily that these individuals may be linked to at least one of the October 8 shots fired incidents in Swan Creek. Rounds fired during one of those incidents ended up striking three homes in the neighborhood. Criminal charges related to the October 8 incident will be filed pending further investigation and analysis.
The investigation remains open and active. The identities of the three individuals are being withheld as criminal charges have yet to be determined or referred to the Dane County District Attorney's Office. Updates will be provided when possible. However, no additional information is available for release now.
OCTOBER 10 UPDATE
Incident Type: Shots Fired Investigation Update
Incident Date: 10/8/22
Release Date: 10/10/22
Incident number: FP22-18649
Prepared By: Lt. Edward Hartwick
The investigation into a series of homes struck by gunfire Saturday night in Fitchburg continues. Personnel from the Fitchburg Police Department, assisted by wardens from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, are investigating the circumstances that led to bullets striking three homes in the Swan Creek neighborhood. At this stage of the investigation, there is no information to indicate the three homes were specifically targeted.
Investigators are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the Nevin Springs Fish and Wildlife Area or on the Capital City Trail from Syene Road to Fish Hatchery Road who heard gunshots or may have observed something or someone out of the ordinary Saturday (10/8) afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
Individuals with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or via P3Tips.com. Tips can also be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by calling or texting 800-847-9367.
ORIGINAL RELEASE
Incident Type: Shots Fired
Incident Date: 10/8/22
Release Date: 10/9/22
Incident number: FP22-18649
Prepared By: Lt. Edward Hartwick
Multiple homes in the Swan Creek neighborhood, which is adjacent to the Nevin Springs Fish and Wildlife Area, were struck by gunfire Saturday evening. The first report of a bullet striking a home was received around 5:10 p.m. on Buttonbush Drive. Two additional reports, one on Stoneman Drive and another on Sunflower Drive, were received later in the evening. No injuries were reported.
After sunset, as officers continued investigating the situation, multiple callers reported hearing additional gunshots coming from the Nevin Springs area. Personnel from the Fitchburg Police Department and the Madison Police Department deployed drones to search the area. Conservation wardens from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also assisted in the search and investigation. No one of interest was located during the search.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300. Callers can remain anonymous and contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or visit P3tips.com. Tips can also be shared with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by calling or texting 800-847-9367.