News Flash

***UPDATED RELEASE***

Incident Type: Homicide

Incident Date: 12/23/2025

Release Date: 3/23/2026

Incident Number: FP25-26274

Details:

On Monday, March 23, 2026, an adult male was formally charged in connection with the December, 2025 homicide that occurred in Fitchburg.

On December 23rd, 2025, officers responded to the 2700 block of Pheasant Ridge Trail for a reported shooting and a victim down.  Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 16-year-old male, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Devon Mason, 19, of Madison, has been charged with Armed Robbery-Party to a Crime and Felony Murder-Party to a Crime, and is being held in the Dane County jail (Dane County case 2026CF000693).

Detectives from the Fitchburg Police Department are continuing to investigate this incident, and it is possible that additional individuals may be charged in connection with this case. More details will be shared at the appropriate time.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Incident Type: Homicide

Incident Date: 12/23/2025

Release Date: 12/24/2025

Incident Number: FP25-26274

Details:

Around 8:45 PM on December 23, 2025, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to the area of Pheasant Ridge Trail and Deer Valley Road to investigate a weapons violation involving a possible gunshot victim. Responding officers arrived and found a single victim who died from their injuries after life-saving efforts were made.

At this time, there is no indication of a threat to the public, as investigators believe the individuals involved knew each other prior to the incident. The case is still under investigation, and no additional information is available for release at this moment. The Fitchburg Police Department was assisted by the Dane County Sheriff's Office, Monona Police Department, Fitchburg Fire Rescue, and Fitch-Rona EMS.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608) 255-2345. Individuals can remain anonymous by reaching out to Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014 or P3Tips.com.

***UPDATED RELEASE***

Incident Type: Homicide

Incident Date: 3/23/2026

Release Date: 3/23/2026

Incident Number: FP26-04707

Details:

At approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to the 5500 block of E. Cheryl Parkway for a report of a male laying on the bike path with a bicycle next to him. Officers quickly determined this was the result of a hit-and-run crash involving a motor vehicle. The bicyclist, a 59-year-old male, of Madison, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office.

The preliminary investigation determined that the victim had been struck by a pickup truck sometime between 3:50 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Detectives further determined that the incident was not accidental. Evidence indicated that the driver of the pickup truck intentionally left the roadway to strike the victim. After hitting the bicyclist with their truck, the driver then left the scene.

Prior to the report of the hit and run, officers had detained the driver of the truck after he also intentionally rammed a patrol vehicle in the parking lot of the Fitchburg Police Department, causing damage to two squads. This intentional act occurred after striking the bicyclist, but before officers were made aware of that incident.

The driver of the pickup truck, Andrew Smith, 40, of Beloit, was taken into custody and booked into the Dane County Jail on charges of Felony Criminal Damage to Property, Hit and Run (Involving Death), and First-Degree Intentional Homicide.   

Due to this investigation, the 5500 block of E. Cheryl Parkway was closed to all traffic for approximately 10 hours. The investigation remains active at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Fitchburg Police Department – (608)270-4300.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

At approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning, Fitchburg Police officers responded to the 5500 block of E. Cheryl Parkway for a reported hit-and-run crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicyclist. Tragically, one individual has died as a result of the crash.

At this time, it is believed that all involved parties have been identified and are in contact with law enforcement. There is no ongoing threat to the community.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. E. Cheryl Parkway will be closed for an extended period as officers and investigators continue to process the scene. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Incident Type: Residential Search Warrant and Arrest

Incident Date: 2/13/2026

Release Date: 2/17/2026

Incident Number: FP26-02366

Details:

On February 13^th, 2026, members of the Fitchburg, Sun Prairie and Middleton Police Departments’ Special Response Teams executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2500 block of Frontier Lane, Fitchburg. The search was part of an ongoing investigation into the possession child pornography.

As a result of evidence obtained during the investigation, Fitchburg resident Jonathan Moore, 28, was taken into custody without incident. Moore was booked into the Dane County Jail and charged by the Dane County District Attorney’s Office with (Dane County DA Case Number 2026CF00386):

This arrest reflects the dedication of the Fitchburg Police Department to protecting children, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring the safety of the community through thorough investigations and collaborations with local law enforcement partners. 

The Fitchburg Police Department was also assisted by Wisconsin DCI – Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Middleton Police Department, the Sun Prairie Police Department, and the Janesville Police Department.

For Immediate Release 

Incident Type: Homicide

Incident Date: 12/23/2025

Release Date: 12/24/2025

Incident Number: FP25-26274

Prepared By: Lieutenant Logan Brown

Details:

Around 8:45 PM on December 23, 2025, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to the area of Pheasant Ridge Trail and Deer Valley Road to investigate a weapons violation involving a possible gunshot victim. Responding officers arrived and found a single victim who died from their injuries after life-saving efforts were made.

At this time, there is no indication of a threat to the public, as investigators believe the individuals involved knew each other prior to the incident. The case is still under investigation, and no additional information is available for release at this moment. The Fitchburg Police Department was assisted by the Dane County Sheriff's Office, Monona Police Department, Fitchburg Fire Rescue, and Fitch-Rona EMS.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608) 255-2345. Individuals can remain anonymous by reaching out to Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014 or P3Tips.com.

On November 14, at 3:07 a.m., a Fitchburg patrol vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle collision while responding to an active, violent emergency call for service on the city’s west side.

Incident Number: FP25-24006

On November 13, 2025, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Fitchburg Police Officers were dispatched to the area of US Highway 14 and Lacy Road for a two-vehicle crash. Highway 14 was closed for approximately four hours following the crash. While on scene, one driver, a 40-year-old male was pronounced deceased by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office. The other driver was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The investigation remains active at this time.

The Fitchburg Police Department was assisted by the Dane County Sheriffs Office Freeway Service Team and Wisconsin State Patrol in this investigation. 

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UPDATE - HIGHWAY 14 NOW OPEN

As of 12:29 PM, all lanes of Highway 14 are open. 

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For Immediate Release 

The Fitchburg Police Department is investigating a serious motor vehicle crash on eastbound Highway 14. Eastbound Highway 14 will be closed between McCoy Road and Lacy Road. Please find alternative routes and avoid the area. We will notify the public when the roadway is open. Additional information regarding the crash will be released later today.

UPDATE - HIGHWAY 14 NOW OPEN

As of 12:29 PM, all lanes of Highway 14 are open. 

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For Immediate Release 

The Fitchburg Police Department is investigating a serious motor vehicle crash on eastbound Highway 14. Eastbound Highway 14 will be closed between McCoy Road and Lacy Road. Please find alternative routes and avoid the area. We will notify the public when the roadway is open. Additional information regarding the crash will be released later today.

UPDATED RELEASE

Release Date: 08/12/2025

As part of the investigation, the driver of the involved SUV was issued a citation related to the crash.

All previously released information remains current. Further updates will be provided as appropriate. This investigation is still active.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Incident Type: Fatal Crash Investigation

Incident Date: 08/07/2025

Release Date: 08/08/2025

Incident Number: FP25-17186

On August 7, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Fitchburg Police officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of South Seminole Highway for a report of a two-vehicle crash.  Upon arrival, officers discovered that a motorcycle had struck an SUV while traveling northbound on South Seminole Highway. 

The driver of the motorcycle, a 54-year-old male Verona resident, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and was later pronounced deceased by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office. The name of the deceased will be released by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office at a later time.

The Fitchburg Police Department would like to thank the Village of Oregon Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation. 

Incident Type: Fatal Crash Investigation 

Incident Date: 6/22/2025

Release Date: 6/26/2025

Incident Number: FP25-13650

On June 22, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Fitchburg Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Greenway Cross for a report of a single vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a SUV had struck a traffic light pole in the median of Fish Hatchery Road. The vehicle was unoccupied, and it was discovered that the driver had fled the scene.

About 30 minutes after the crash, the Madison Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a separate incident involving an unresponsive male found in a parking lot in the City of Madison just a few blocks from the crash scene. Lifesaving measures were attempted but the male was ultimately pronounced deceased by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Fitchburg officers responded and confirmed that the male was the driver of the crashed SUV.

The driver, a 27-year-old male Fitchburg resident, was believed to be the only occupant of the SUV. There were no other injuries reported from this incident. The investigation remains active at this time.

Incident Type: OWI Arrest

Incident Date: 6/7/2025

Release Date: 6/12/2025

Incident Number: FP25-12524

On June 7th, 2025, at around 9:00 p.m., a citizen reported two unconscious people in a vehicle with its engine on in the 2900 block of Ochalla Drive. Fitchburg officers responded and determined that the driver was impaired.  During the course of the investigation, officers learned that the driver had six prior convictions for Operating While Intoxicated.    

The driver, Elvin Webster, 64, of Madison, was arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail on charges of:

• Operating While Intoxicated - 7th Offense
• Failure to Install an Ignition Interlock Device
• Operating While Revoked (due to prior OWI related offense)

Community involvement plays a vital role in public safety, and tips such as these help our department in keeping the community safe.

Incident Type: Weapons Violation

Incident Date: 05/19/2025

Release Date: 06/05/2025

Incident Number: FP25-10924

Prepared By: Captain Andrew McCarthy

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on May 19th, 2025, officers with the Fitchburg Police Department conducted a traffic stop near East Badger Road and Rimrock Road that resulted in a firearm violation arrest.

During the stop, a passenger fled on foot as officers attempted to detain him.  Officers pursued the passenger who was eventually located and taken into custody.

A subsequent search of the arrested passenger's belongings resulted in the recovery of a loaded AR-15 pistol-style firearm. The passenger was discovered to be a convicted felon and was on active probation.

Quayshun High, 21, of Fitchburg, was arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail for the following charges:

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
• Probation Violation

The driver and another passenger who remained on scene were released with no criminal charges.  A fourth passenger was cited for possession of marijuana and released. Officers from the Madison Police Department assisted our department with this investigation.

This incident marks the 27^th unlawfully possessed or used firearm seized by the Fitchburg Police Department so far in 2025. These seizures are the result of targeted enforcement efforts, community tips, and proactive policing aimed at reducing gun violence in our area.

Incident Type: OWI Arrest - 5th OffenseIncident Date: May 24, 2025Incident Number: FP25-11357Prepared By: Sergeant Logan Brown

Fitchburg Police Arrest 5th OWI Offender Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

On May 24, 2025, at 12:39 a.m., a Fitchburg Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorist who was found to be impaired. During the investigation, officers learned that the driver had four prior arrests for Operating While Intoxicated. A preliminary breath test indicated a result of .16—twice the legal limit.

The driver, Wendell Davis of Madison, was arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail on felony charges related to 5th offense Operating While Intoxicated.

The Fitchburg Police Department remains committed to proactively enforcing OWI laws to ensure the safety of our roadways. As we enter Memorial Day weekend, we urge everyone to plan ahead: If you choose to drink, don’t drive. Your choices can save lives.

UPDATE

Release Date: 5/6/26

Prepared By: Captain Edward Hartwick

The 39-year-old man who was stabbed this morning was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Earlier this evening, the suspect in this incident, also a 39-year-old man, was taken into custody at a home in Sun Prairie.

Additional information regarding this homicide investigation will be shared on Wednesday afternoon.

Personnel from the Madison Police Department assisted with the investigation.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Incident Type: Stabbing

Incident Date: 5/6/25

Release Date: 5/6/25

Incident Number: 25-9914

Prepared By: Captain Edward Hartwick

Around 1:00 this morning, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to Monkeyshines Bar and Grill, 6209 McKee Road, for a report of a disturbance in the parking lot.

Responding officers determined the involved individuals had already left the scene. A short time later, officers learned a man had arrived at a local hospital with life-threatening stab wounds.

At this point, investigators believe the involved individuals knew each other before the disturbance. The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available for release at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300. Individuals can remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or P3Tips.com

Incident Type: Stabbing

Incident Date: 5/6/25

Release Date: 5/6/25

Incident Number: 25-9914

Prepared By: Captain Edward Hartwick

Details:

Around 1:00 this morning, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to Monkeyshines Bar and Grill, 6209 McKee Road, for a report of a disturbance in the parking lot.

Responding officers determined the involved individuals had already left the scene. A short time later, officers learned a man had arrived at a local hospital with life-threatening stab wounds.

At this point, investigators believe the involved individuals knew each other before the disturbance. The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available for release at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Fitchburg Police Department at (608)270-4300. Individuals can remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or P3Tips.com

Incident Type: Arrested Person

Incident Date: 4/30/25

Release Date: 5/1/25

Incident Number: FP25-09519

Prepared By: Captain Edward Hartwick

Fitchburg Police arrested a 31-year-old man Wednesday night after he had barricaded himself in a closet for nearly four hours. Around 7:40 p.m., officers went to a senior apartment complex in the 5100 block of Lacy Road to try to arrest the man on a felony warrant. The wanted man, Laron Smith, was the suspect in a theft investigation. Because Smith is on probation through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, a felony probation violation warrant had been issued for his arrest. 

When officers arrived at the apartment where they believed Smith was living, he initially came to the door but quickly retreated into a bedroom closet. Officers followed the man into the apartment and attempted to convince him to come out. Because Smith has a criminal history involving guns, including a 2024 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, officers summoned additional assistance. 

Additional resources, including the Fitchburg Police Department Crisis Negotiation Team, the Fitchburg Police Department Special Response Team, and the Fitchburg Police Department K9 Unit, responded to the scene. Personnel from the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the response. 

Following multiple attempts to negotiate Smith's exit, pepper spray was deployed into the closet. Shortly before midnight, Smith exited the closet and was taken into custody.  No one was injured during this incident. Several residents in nearby apartments were temporarily evacuated to a community room in the building during the situation. 

He was later booked into the Dane County Jail on multiple charges including the probation violation warrant, resisting/obstructing an officer, theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.