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The original item was published from 2/19/2021 3:57:35 PM to 5/20/2021 12:00:02 AM.

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Police Department Press Releases

Posted on: February 19, 2021

[ARCHIVED] High Ridge Trail Drug Investigation

fpd media release

Incident Type: Drug Investigation & Search Warrant

Location: 2100 block of High Ridge Trail

Date of Incident: 2/18/2021

Date of Release: 2/19/2021

Completed By: Lt. Edward Hartwick

Details:

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, personnel from the Fitchburg Police Department Special Response Team, assisted by members of the Sun Prairie Police Department Special Response Team, executed an early morning search warrant at an apartment in the 2100 block of High Ridge Trail. The warrant resulted from an investigation into reports of drug sales occurring at the main entrance of an apartment building.  A significant amount of marijuana and a stolen handgun were located in the apartment.

Personnel from the Fitchburg Police Department began their investigation in late 2020, after receiving complaints about repeated drug sales occurring at the apartment complex. The investigation culminated with the search warrant Thursday morning.  During the search warrant, the following items were seized as evidence:

  • A stolen handgun with an extended magazine and ammunition
  • Approximately 12.5 pounds of marijuana
  • $7,070 in currency

Eric Ranson, 23, of Fitchburg, was booked into the Dane County Jail Thursday on tentative charges of:

  • Possession with intent to deliver THC/marijuana
  • Receiving stolen property
  • Maintaining a drug dwelling
  • Felony bail jumping

Criminal charges for maintaining a drug dwelling have been referred to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office for the leaseholder of the apartment.

The information that led to this arrest, along with the removal of a stolen handgun and drugs from a drug dealer, came from concerned community members who were able to anonymously share information. Public safety is best accomplished through an active partnership between law enforcement and the community. Information like this from our community not only leads to arrests but can also help prevent violence that can occur when drugs are bought or sold.

If you have information regarding criminal activity, contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608)266-6014 or via P3tips.com.

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